Maybe Just Wakanda for the Day- Black Panther Writer Speaks Against Bold Joke on White Kid in Chadwick Boseman’s Costume in Abbott Elementary

Halloween has come and gone, leaving behind a flurry of costumes, candy, and cherished memories. As families gathered to celebrate, many tuned into their favorite shows, enjoying Halloween-themed episodes that added a touch of festive cheer. And how can we forget about one of the standouts this year, Abbott Elementary, which has delighted audiences for four seasons with its intelligent humor and heartwarming moments?

With its impressive ratings, it’s clear that Quinta Brunson’s mockumentary sitcom has struck a chord with viewers. But amidst the fun, a moment in the Halloween episode titled Costume Contest sparked a light-hearted conversation about representation and cultural sensitivity. Reginald Hudlin, co-creator of Shuri and the writer of Marvel’s Black Panther comic series, took notice and voiced his thoughts.

Reginald Hudlin Reflects on Representation in Abbott Elementary’s Halloween Episode

In Abbott Elementary’s recent episode, Costume Contest, teacher Janine Teagues, played by Quinta Brunson, responds to a White student dressed as Black Panther (played by Chadwick Boseman), jokingly suggesting, “Maybe just Wakanda for the day”. While the intention was to elicit laughter, Reginald Hudlin felt it raised important questions about how such portrayals are perceived, especially considering the significance of characters like Black Panther in popular culture.

Hudlin is no stranger to the impact of these characters. As he stated via X, he created Shuri to ensure that both his son and daughter could dress as Black Panther for Halloween, aiming to inspire them and children everywhere. After the debut of the character in the comics, he witnessed a remarkable shift in how children, regardless of their background, embraced the Black Panther and Shuri costumes.

Shuri first appeared in 2005 in Black Panther #2, crafted by Hudlin and John Romita Jr. Notably, the character always aspired to become the Black Panther herself, ready to claim her rightful place alongside her brother, T’Challa.

Well, Hudlin’s observations point to a vital truth: representation matters. And, in the wake of Black Panther’s success, the character became a cultural phenomenon, with kids across the globe donning the Black Panther and Shuri costumes.

Moreover, the cultural significance of Shuri cannot be overstated. She represents not only a powerful female superhero but also an icon for girls and boys alike, allowing kids of all races to see themselves reflected in the stories they admire. 

Abbott Elementary’s Halloween Episode: A Heartfelt Nod to Quinta Brunson’s 2014 Skit?

Sure, this season’s Halloween episode, Costume Contest, from Abbott Elementary is a delightful mix of laughter and nostalgia, cleverly weaving in a tribute to Quinta Brunson’s early days in comedy. 

Brunson, at just 34, has made waves in the entertainment industry, not only starring in Abbott Elementary as the earnest teacher Janine Teagues but also creating the series that has become a beloved staple of television. Her journey began with a viral sensation—a 2014 Instagram sketch where she portrayed ‘Girl Who’s Never Been on a Nice Date’. This character’s innocent amazement at a date’s ability to afford both Skittles and popcorn caught the internet’s attention and launched Brunson into the spotlight.

In Abbott Elementary’s Halloween episode, while the main cast dazzles in their costumes, a background detail pays homage to this moment in Brunson’s career. One young extra is seen dressed as her iconic character from that viral video, a sweet little Easter egg that Brunson herself highlighted on her Instagram Story. She wrote (via Screen Rant):

It’s these little touches that not only celebrate her past but also reflect the warm heart of the show.

Reflecting on the evolution of Brunson’s career, it’s incredible to see how a simple, relatable sketch could lead to such significant opportunities—jobs at BuzzFeed, roles in HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, and eventually being the gem of Abbott Elementary. The latter debuted to rave reviews in 2021.

Abbott Elementary is available to stream on ABC.