Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was recently released in cinemas around the world. Along with its release came the introduction of comic book characters, a tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman, and a passing of the torch. Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri in the film, was seen wearing the Black Panther costume. Although it received mixed reactions from fans, the majority of responses were mostly positive. After all, who better than T’Challa’s genius sister herself?
Recently, the film’s co-writer revealed that while Shuri was a more obvious choice to lead the Wakandans, a few other names were thrown around. Lupita Nyong’o, who plays T’Challa’s lover Nakia, is one of the names that came up in the conversation. Winston Duke’s M’Baku was also a strong contender.
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Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia in Black Panther?
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In an interview with Rolling Stone, wakanda foreverJoe screenwriter Robert Cole revealed that the team discussed a few other names to take on the role of the next Black Panther, including Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia. Even though in the comics Shuri became T’Challa’s successor and the choice seemed obvious, it’s quite interesting to see what was going through the minds of the creators.
Cole said the mantle pass brainstorming sessions happened because the team wanted to play around with a few ideas and ultimately make the best decision for a sequel. After all, Black Panther is one of the most beloved MCU movies of all time and the team certainly didn’t want the rush to be the downfall of the franchise. Winston Duke’s M’Baku was a character that was considered.
“We were exploring ideas and trying to extrapolate where the story is going and what’s the most impactful choice, what’s the best journey? And where do you go after the movie in terms of these characters. M’Baku was definitely someone who got pushed around a bit. But you crush all kinds of ideas. And you just want to make the best decision and do what’s best for the story.
When the interviewer suggested that Nakia would also have been a great choice, the writer revealed that her name was “kick for sure. Nakia wouldn’t be a far-fetched choice either. He’s a fan-favorite character who helped T’Challa both as a spy and as a lover. Not to mention the fact that she is the mother of T’Challa’s son. If there’s anyone who really knew T’Challa and his ways, it’s Nakia.
Why Shuri was the most organic choice
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Producer Nate Moore confessed that even if other names were discussed, choosing them would have felt “artificial.” In a conversation with Marvel, Moore said that Letitia Wright’s Shuri was the “the most organic storytelling choice,” and other names have not been thoroughly investigated. He went on to say that Wright is a performer who does what’s right for the movie. Although she was surprised when she learned that she would become the next Black Panther, Wright was quick to accept it due to her importance to the franchise.
“Letitia wanted and wants to do well with this franchise. When the call came that she was going to be the next Black Panther, she was initially surprised by the high demand. However, she quickly realized how big it was. important for her and her character to take over.
Moore added that Wright knows what the franchise means to people in general, as well as what it means to Chadwick Boseman. Although she never really thought about this outcome, she was “100% game” to take on the role. Even director Ryan Coogler shared similar emotion when he said Shuri becoming Black Panther made a lot of sense.
Wright herself said that since the news came shortly after Boseman’s death, it was difficult for her to understand the situation at first. However, she decided to go because Coogler explained that it would be a way to honor the late actor. She admitted that although she agreed, it affected her quite emotionally that she didn’t ask her brother to pass the torch to her.
Wright’s love for Boseman combined with Shuri’s genius is undoubtedly what makes Shuri a worthy successor.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently playing in theaters.
Source: Rolling Stone
