Since Chadwick Boseman tragically passed away in September 2020 following a battle with colon cancer, Marvel fans have been wondering what would be next for his iconic superhero Black Panther.
The actor had so perfectly embodied T'Challa from his debut in Captain America: Civil War to his solo film Black Panther, and finally in Avengers: Endgame and What If...? that it seemed impossible to recast the character (though the question was raised), and so viewers have been waiting with bated breath to know what wold be next.
Well, the second Black Panther film, Wakanda Forever, will seek to answer this question, and also reveal which character will take up the superhero mantle from T'Challa following Boseman's death.
Who Plays the New Black Panther in 'Wakanda Forever'? 3 Theories to Know
There are several contenders to become the new Black Panther, namely Shuri (Letitia Wright), Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), and Okoye (Danai Gurira).
All three characters have reason to take over the superhero title from T'Challa, and from the look of the new Black Panther suit it's likely that the person who takes up the mantle will be one of these three.
1. It'll Stay in the Family
Shuri is T'Challa's sister and as heir to the throne of Wakanda she is the most likely character to become the next Black Panther.
In Black Panther, T'Challa took his place as King of Wakanda and upon doing so he traveled to the afterlife to meet with his father and his ancestors and receive the powers of the Black Panther. This is a ceremony that Shuri is likely to take part in as well.
From the film, it seems the Black Panther title is taken by those who are next in line for the throne and they become the protectors of Wakanda. As the next heir it would make sense for Shuri to do so as well, and it'll be a fitting tribute to T'Challa's memory if she does.
Wright has also been front and center of all the promotional material for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, so it seems Marvel might have publicly chosen their hero already.
2. A Love Lost Makes the Best Motive
Nakia was T'Challa's love interest in Black Panther and the character was first introduced in the solo film as having worked in several undercover assignments before returning to Wakanda when T'Challa is crowned king.
As motives go, losing a loved one could be reason enough for Nakia to want to take up the title of Black Panther in honor of the late T'Challa.
Before going undercover, Nakia was a former Dora Milaje, the elite organization of female bodyguards that helps protect Wakanda so she certainly has the battle experience to take on the Black Panther title.
3. Honoring T'Challa's Memory
Another character who has the fighting skills to successfully take over the Black Panther title is Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje.
Okoye is loyal to T'Challa and one of his most trusted allies so she could choose to honor his memory by taking the title of Black Panther.
While this is possible, it also seems likely that Okoye will continue to lead the Dora Milaje which will have a new member, Aneka (Michaela Coel), in Wakanda Forever.
Wakanda Forever will be released in theaters on November 11.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Roxy Simons is a Newsweek TV and Film Reporter (SEO), based in London, U.K. Her focus is reporting on the ... Read more
