Ludwig Göransson co-writes lead single of “Black Panther” film sequel

“Lift Me Up,” recorded by singer Rihanna, is the lead single of Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The track—written by USC Thornton screen scoring program alum Ludwig Göransson, artists Tems and Rihanna and the film’s director Ryan Coogler—is a tribute to the life and legacy of actor Chadwick Boseman. It releases in advance of the movie on Friday, Oct. 28. Göransson composed the score of the first “Black Panther” film, which released in 2018.

“I think for this one, we were able to do, me and Ryan [Coogler] were able to do something we’ve been talking about our whole careers. We’ve been working together for 15 years, we’re so excited to finally be able to create a complete unique sound, immersive experience with both songs and score,” Göransson said in the film’s red carpet interview on Oct. 26. “So you can really tell a difference in how they work together, it’s a complete immersive experience with all the songs flowing into each other.”