Warning: This article contains spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduces a titular new hero to the film. After T’Challa’s death, Shuri becomes the next Black Panther. But in the months leading up to the movie, social media was plagued with speculation and debate about who the next Panther should be. And it looks like the same kind of debates were going on at Marvel Studios as well.
Two other Black Panther characters considered for hero role
M’Baku in Black Panther 2
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Black Panther 2 co-writer Joe Robert Cole talked about two other characters who were considered to take the lead. Black Panther coat. He said:
“We were brainstorming and trying to extrapolate where the story is going and what’s the most impactful choice – what’s the best trip? And where do you go after the movie in terms of these characters. M’Baku was definitely someone who got pushed around a bit.
When Rolling Stone mentioned Nakia, Cole said she was also thought of for the role.
“Rolling Stone: “Nakia [Lupita Nyong’o] it could have been great too.
Cole: “It got roughed up! His name got kicked out for sure.
T’Challa and Nakia
It makes sense that these two characters were thought of for the role of Black Panther. After all, M’Baku is already one of the strongest warriors and a leader. His strength would be untouchable if he took the heart-shaped grass. But while he’s not the next Black Panther, he’s now the new king of Wakanda.
Nakia also makes an interesting choice as she is T’Challa’s companion and the mother of his son. She is a warrior and she also excels in stealth missions. But somehow, she doesn’t seem like the natural or organic choice.
Why Shuri was ultimately chosen to continue the title
Shuri as the new Black Panther
shuri becoming the next Black Panther felt like a natural transmission of the Mantle. After all, he is a genius and the next in line for the throne. And Marvel Studios head Nate Moore felt the same way. So much so that other options were not seriously considered. In an interview with Marvel, he said:
“[Shuri] I just felt like the most organic storytelling choice. We had an interpreter who we knew could wear this if she agreed to do so. We didn’t really explore other options extensively, as it seemed like the right thing to do.
Director Ryan Coogler backed him up and said:
“When you talk about T’Challa passing, who would be most affected by that? It became clear that Shuri should be the link in our movie.
Moore also praised Letitia Wright and said the actor understood the enormity of the role. He said:
“She understood A, what it means to people in general, and B, I think what this franchise meant to Chadwick, as an artist and as a performer… Although I’m not sure that she had already imagined putting on the coat and wearing this film, she was 100% game. I think it’s an honor for her and for her spirit.
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