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But when Allen & Unwin, his publishers, convinced him to produce a sequel to his massively successful “The Hobbit”, he knew that writing another children’s book just wouldn’t be enough. And so he delved back into the vast mythology he had begun in 1917, during the height of World War I, that work which would eventually become “The Silmarillion” sixty years later. 

What is The Lord of the Rings really about?

Many, many, many opinions have been rendered as to the themes of LOTR. Many have called it an allegory (and they are wrong, according to the author himself), but the beauty of this work is that its themes are not allegorical but applicable to each individual reader. But if the story has two certain themes, they are the corruption of the lust for power, and the faith in fellowship and friendship that can overcome failure. This is clearest in two instances: in the Fellowship of the Ring, when Gandalf rejects the Ring and entrusts it to Frodo, and in the Return of the King when Frodo, though he had succumbed to the Ring and lost his finger to Gollum, was saved from the eruption of Mount Doom by his best friend Sam, in spite of his failure to resist the Ring’s temptations. 

The Fellowship itself, the Nine Walkers of the free peoples of Middle-earth set against the Nine Riders, the Ringwraiths of the Dark Lord Sauron, illustrates this point as well. While the Ringwraiths are bound to the singular will of Sauron, the Fellowship—made up of representatives of the diverse groups who resisted Sauron’s influence—even when separated at the end of the first volume, retain the desires and goals of their peoples, as well as their own individual desires. And so, whereas the antagonists of the story are united by force of the domineering will of the singular Enemy, the protagonists’ unity of purpose is supported and in fact strengthened by their respective individuality. 

What Makes The Lord of the Rings So Enduring?

The Lord of the Rings is the quintessential fantasy novel, an expansive work that transports readers to a fully realized imaginary world that they can explore. It is also a fable exploring themes of power, corruption, faith, and fellowship. But what, after nearly seventy years, keeps it around, keeps people interested and even invested in it? For some, there is a timelessness to it that allows the story to be enjoyed across generations. For others, it is the depth of its worldbuilding (evidenced by its 100+ pages of Appendices after the conclusion of its third volume). And still more, others might say that it grows up along with its readers. It slips the minds of many that its predecessor, The Hobbit, was a children’s book, and in fact the first two thirds of The Fellowship of the Rings carry over this same feeling. But as soon as the Ringwraiths appear after Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin leave The Shire, it is made abundantly clear that there is real and imminent danger looming on the horizon. And during the Council of Elrond in the second book of Fellowship, when the sheer scope of this world is laid bare for all to see, the stakes are raised to an almost insurmountable degree. But it is the fall of Gandalf in Moria that truly takes this story out of its predecessor’s child-sized shadow and places it in its own league. 

Quite simply, The Lord of the Rings is among the most consequential literary works of all time. For much of the twentieth century, it was the second-most popular book after the Bible. And for good reason. It places immense emphasis on community and diversity, humility and nobility, and ultimately, that there’s some good to be found in this world. And it’s worth fighting for, even in the direst of circumstances. 

In short, it is just a damn good story. And we need more damn good stories in this world.

A History of Greatness

Denzel Washington is not simply an actor; he’s a cultural icon. His body of work speaks to a dedication to his craft, capturing complex characters with a depth that few can emulate. He’s taken on roles that range from historical heroes to morally ambiguous antiheroes, always bringing a magnetic presence that commands attention. For Washington to step into the MCU, and specifically into the Black Panther series, brings a sense of gravitas that resonates with the profound themes this franchise has represented. The prospect of him collaborating with Coogler, a director known for his authenticity and thoughtful narratives, is thrilling. It could mean a new depth for Black Panther 3 that might transcend typical superhero fare.

The Black Panther Legacy and Its Tragic Turn

The Black Panther franchise stands out in the MCU for its cultural weight and the sense of pride it brings to audiences worldwide. When it premiered in 2018, it broke records and stereotypes, giving fans a Black superhero who was not only powerful but deeply connected to heritage and history. Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa left an indelible mark, making his untimely passing even more tragic. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever served as a heartfelt tribute, a powerful film about grief, identity, and legacy, but it also raised the question: What next?

As the MCU continues to expand, the challenge becomes balancing legacy with progression. If Washington indeed joins the cast, it signals a commitment to sustaining the dignity and power Boseman brought to the role, while introducing a new chapter that could steer the franchise in a unique direction.

The Unusual Reveal and Speculations

Washington’s casual mention of Coogler writing him a role caught many by surprise. In an era where Marvel announcements are tightly controlled and scheduled for maximum effect, such an offhand comment feels almost surreal. Yet, it also hints at the trust between Coogler and Washington. For Washington to even entertain such a role shows the level of respect he holds for Coogler’s vision and the world of Wakanda.

Still, this approach—allowing a revered figure like Washington to leak his own news—highlights the unique allure of the Black Panther franchise. It’s not merely another blockbuster; it’s a movement, a cultural conversation. Washington’s potential involvement has sparked a renewed interest and excitement that can resonate even with MCU skeptics.

A Bright Spot Amidst MCU Challenges and Successes

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has faced some mixed reception lately, with certain entries not fully resonating with audiences or critics. There are whispers about fatigue and questions about the overall direction. However, the MCU has also delivered standouts like Deadpool and Agatha: All Along, demonstrating its enduring ability to entertain with boldness, originality, and a knack for capturing fans' imaginations. These projects have shown that Marvel, despite its massive size, can still surprise us—whether through the irreverent humor and boundary-pushing style of Deadpool or the darker, magical allure of Agatha: All Along. Adding a talent like Washington’s only underscores Marvel’s commitment to weaving powerful, innovative stories amid familiar franchises.

If Washington’s role indeed materializes, Black Panther 3 has the potential to be a landmark event, not just in the MCU but in cinema as a whole. This move could symbolize a return to the thoughtful, layered storytelling that made Marvel a global phenomenon, while offering Washington the chance to add yet another iconic role to his already legendary career.

In short, while the details remain sparse, Denzel Washington’s possible involvement in Black Panther 3 feels like the promise of something incredible. It’s a sign that, even amid challenges, Marvel’s universe still has stories worth telling, heroes worth exploring, and legacies worth honoring. 

On the other hand, Marvel’s “special look” at Thunderbolts turned out to be much more engaging. The presentation was odd, part extended scene, part trailer—but somehow, it worked. This preview had what Captain America 4 lacked: well-defined characters, a clear storyline, and the classic Marvel blend of humor and heart. Thunderbolts has a straightforward appeal that’s refreshingly easy to connect with; it’s entertaining, and within just a few minutes, I felt like I knew what to expect.

Without giving too much away, Thunderbolts has the recipe of a quintessential Marvel blockbuster. It’s packed with action, likable characters, and comedic timing that feels natural and fun. For me, its charm and simplicity prove that sometimes, less really is more. If Marvel was aiming to spark excitement, this trailer does it effortlessly.

I want Captain America 4 to succeed. I’ve enjoyed Sam Wilson’s journey so far, especially in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and I see the potential in this storyline. But it’s because of the flaws in the previous outing that I was hoping for a more refined direction here, a tighter focus on Sam’s journey as Captain America.

In the end, maybe I’m just being overly critical. Perhaps when these two films hit theaters, I’ll look back on this review and laugh. Until then, I’m staying cautiously optimistic, fingers crossed that Captain America finds its way.

And if Thunderbolts delivers, I might even forgive Marvel for making me second-guess Cap’s new adventure. After all, even superheroes deserve a little character growth… just as long as they’re not 80 and turning into giant green Hulks.