Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is back on track and set to release on November 11, 2022. The first film, released in 2018, received a hugely positive reaction and shot to global popularity in a very short period of time. A large portion of the film’s success was owed to the lead character of the movie, T’Challa, played by actor Chadwick Boseman. Given the success of the first movie, it was only a matter of time before a sequel was announced.
Despite the initial thrill and excitement for the film, the future of Black Panther remained a mystery for quite some time. It was cast into even more turmoil following the unfortunate death of beloved actor Chadwick Boseman in August 2020. With the actor gaining a loyal following in his role as Black Panther, many fans simply did not want to accept a universe in which Boseman would not be present, and the sequel’s future remained murky. However, now with two trailers for the film having been released, viewers are more aware of the path that the Wakandan universe may take.
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So, what will be in store for Black Panther?
Updated October 2022 by Jessica Peerez: If you’re excited about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, you’ll be happy to know we’ve updated this article with additional info about the film.
Will T’Challa Be Recast?
Marvel Studios
Despite Marvel vowing that Boseman’s role as T’Challa would not be recast, fans on Twitter have repeatedly called for #RecastTChalla, believing that Boseman’s legacy should not end. Fans believe that the portrayal of Boseman as T’Challa created a role model for young audiences who saw themselves in him. The decision not to recast T’Challa would also lead to canceling one of the most popular and influential Black superheroes.
Those who call for T’Challa to be recast firmly advocate for the fact that T’Challa was a positive form of representation of Black culture, and the character of Black Panther was only scratching the surface of his narrative within the MCU. Believing that the MCU should honour T’Challa, fans have created a petition which, for now, has picked up over fifty-five thousand signatures.
However, Marvel is steadfast in its decision not to recast T’Challa. Speaking to Independent, producer Nate Moore said, “We just couldn’t do it… I think we all feel so much of T’Challa in the MCU on the screen – not in comics – is tied to Chadwick’s performance, is what he brought to that role both on and off-screen,” reiterating the stance of the studio is not looking for a replacement.
Winston Duke, who plays the role of M’Baku in the Black Panther movies, has also agreed that this is not the proper time to recast T’Challa. In the months following his passing, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige commented:
Should Shuri be Black Panther?
With the decision not to recruit a replacement for the character of Boseman, Marvel has claimed that the film’s narrative would instead be restructured to deal with the loss of Boseman. Unofficial claims have rumoured that Letitia Wright’s Shuri will inherit the mantle of Black Panther. Precedence to this also exists in Marvel Comics, where Shuri goes on to become Wakanda’s primary warrior.
“Chadwick Boseman was an immensely talented actor and an inspirational individual who affected all of our lives professionally and personally. His portrayal of T’Challa [and] the Black Panther is iconic and transcends any iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past. And it is for that reason that we will not recast the character.”
However, MCU fans are not pleased with Shuri inheriting the role of Black Panther. Many feel that Shuri is better suited elsewhere due to her technological intelligence. Given that Shuri is acclaimed as one of the most intelligent characters in the MCU, her taking over the role of Black Panther would distract her from her focus on technology which aids Wakanda as well as the rest of the world. She also does not have the same vision as her brother in the implementation of global policy and has no experience in being outside of Wakanda. Fans also feel that although Shuri is adeptly skilled in combat, she cannot compare to the levels of skill exhibited by Nakia.
Despite the debate that centers on Shuri, the release of the second trailer has many fans convinced that it is Shuri who will take on the role of Black Panther. The ending of the trailer shows an anonymous character donning the Black Panther suit. Eagle-eyed fans quickly zeroed in on the new Black Panther’s mask pattern, which matched a pattern that had previously been painted on Shuri’s face. Fans are also convinced that Shuri will take over from T’Challa as even toys have been released depicting Shuri as the new Black Panther.
Do Fans Want Nakia or Okoye?
Despite Shuri’s technological brilliance, many believe that Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia, T’Challa’s childhood friend, and love interest, is better suited for the role. Nakia, who is also skilled in combat, is argued to make the most sense characteristically, thematically, and narratively due to her role in the first movie. Those favoring Nakia as Black Panther argue that Nakia’s character had the most significant influence on T’Challa.
It was she who convinced the Black Panther to share the Wakandan technology with the rest of the world. Fans claim that this influence shows the extent to which T’Challa trusted her and her opinions. This connection to the Black Panther and the fact that Nakia was able to drive forward a new global policy makes Nakia the best candidate to inherit the mantle. Her intimate connection to T’Challa would also mean that she would strive to realize T’Challa’s vision for the world.
In addition to her connection to T’Challa and intelligence on public policy, Nakia is also tremendously skilled in combat. She is a member of the Wakandan War Dogs, which is the central intelligence division of Wakanda. Her fighting skills, depicted throughout the first Black Panther movie, also add to her eligibility to inherit the Black Panther mantle. With the character appearing at the end of the recently released trailer appearing to be female, a likelihood exists that it may, in fact, be Nakia under the mask.
However, the possibilities for Marvel on whom to cast as the next Black Panther are numerous. Danai Gurira’s Okoye has also been a popular choice for the new Black Panther. Admittedly, on a list of popularity, she does fall just below Shuri, who for many is the first choice, and Nakia. Despite the multiple guesses, stars of the film Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira have claimed that no theories have pinpointed the future of Black Panther.
With only a month left until the release of the highly anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, fans don’t have too long to wait before the future of Black Panther is revealed. Who will be the face under the mask? While it is admittedly hard to keep a grip on curiosity, November 11, 2022, will, hopefully, carry the answers to our questions!
