Who could be the next Black Panther in Wakanda Forever? Likely candidates and confirmed release date
We've narrowed it down to these three key characters
With the tragic death of T’Challa actor Chadwick Boseman, here are possible Black Panther candidates for upcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
When Black Panther was released in 2018, it broke boundaries by presenting African-American centric narratives that challenged institutional bias within Hollywood film-making. Exploding onto screens to both critical and audience acclaim, the 18th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) received 7 nominations at the 91st Academy Awards. Becoming the first superhero film to be nominated for the coveted Best Picture category. With the first screening of the trailer of follow up film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at the 2022 Comic-Con International, word is a buzz with who could play Black Panther in the upcoming film, plus the film's release date.
Not the only characters from the MCU making waves this year, fans of the Thor franchise have been questioning when is Thor: Love and Thunder's Disney Plus release date. Those who saw the film during its cinematic release and stayed to the end, noticed some fascinating Thor end credit scenes giving us hints to new Marvel characters to come. Dr Strange has also enjoyed an outing this year, in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also on Disney+.
Who could be the next Black Panther in Wakanda Forever?
Marvel Studios confirmed that the character of T'Challa will never be recast. Instead, the Black Panther title can be passed down and taken on by a new character.
In the original film, Black Panther was played by Chadwick Boseman. However, Boseman sadly lost his life to colon cancer in 2020, at the age of 43. Vanity Fair reported that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has confirmed T'Challa's story is over, and the Black Panther title will be passed on.
Speaking about Boseman’s performance in the 2018 film, Feige said “His portrayal of T'Challa, the Black Panther, is iconic, and transcends any iteration of the character from any other medium in Marvel's past. It is for that reason that we will not recast the character.”
On continuing the franchise despite Boseman’s death, he continued to add “To honor the legacy that Chad helped us build with his portrayal of the King of Wakanda, we wanted to continue exploring that world and all the rich and varied characters introduced in the first film”.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
According to The Direct, the official Disney press release states that in the sequel, T’Challa is dead. The film’s synopsis also reads “In Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death”.
Could Shuri be the next Black Panther in Wakanda Forever?
There are rumours Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, could be the new Black Panther. Shuri is the princess of Wakanda, and T’Challa’s younger sister.
The newly unveiled Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer depicts Shuri and Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) mourning T’Challa to a backdrop of ‘No Woman No Cry’. As the music changes to ‘Alright’ by Kendrick Lamar, the New Black Panther is shown, releasing their claws. Although their face remains hidden, fans are convinced it’s Shuri, as she becomes Black Panther in the comics when T’Challa is injured.
One Twitter user shared stills from the trailer depicting the new Black Panther, against pictures of Shuri. They captioned the tweet “Shuri is definitely taking the mantle of the Black Panther”. Many agreed with the poster, suggesting this was “definitely” going to happen.
Another fan also shared a picture of the faceless new Black Panther. Their take on the subject was that a multiversal Black Panther could be on the cards, suggesting their identity is not Shuri, but could be Mbaku, Killmonger, or simply a T’Challa “from another universe”.
Shuri is definitely taking the mantle of the Black Panther. #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/1u0Qy5ueNDJuly 25, 2022
Could Nakia be the next Black Panther in Wakanda Forever?
Played by Lupita Nyong'o, speculation exists placing Nakia as the next Black Panther. In the comics, Nakia is also known as Malice, and is one of Black Panther’s enemies.
Formerly one of his greatest allies, and one of Wakanda’s ‘Dora Milaje’ (which translates to ‘Adored Ones’), Nakia was trusted within T’Challa’s close circle. However, her increasing fatuation with him turned her into a dangerous enemy, and one who knows all his secrets. In the film, Nakia is T'Challa's former lover and undercover spy for Wakanda. In a departure from the comics, Nakia is fighting for enslaved Nigerian women at the start of the first film.
Although less assurance exists around Nakia becoming the next Black Panther, there are certainly fans who would be excited for this transition. One Twitter user wrote “if Nakia picks up the Black Panther mantle I *will* start hyperventilating in the theatre from pure excitement”.
Another fan, alluding to the fact there are stronger front runners for the title, added they just wanted to “live in denial” and continue believing Nakia would be the next Black Panther
if nakia picks up the black panther mantle i *will* start hyperventilating in the theatre from pure excitement https://t.co/P2UQcvNMHKJuly 24, 2022
Could Okoye be the next Black Panther in Wakanda Forever?
Also included in the race, Okoye played by Danai Gurira, could be the next Black Panther. As leader of the Dora Milaje, fans feel Okoye is best placed to become Black Panther, rather than T’Challa’s sister Shuri.
As one of the king’s guard’s greatest warriors, and one of the best Wakanda has ever seen, Okoye has the natural skill required for the title. However, as the role is historically passed down to a blood relative, some have suggested Okoye as neither a relation or former lover, stands the smallest chance of gaining the crown.
When IGN posted to Twitter asking readers who they thought should become the next Black Panther, the response was overwhelmingly in favour of Shuri. Of over 1200 responses, Shuri followed by Nakia were popular. Okoye did not receive many votes, placing her as the biggest wild card.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer
Wakanda Forever: Release date
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever release date is confirmed as November 11, 2022. According to the BBC, production on the film was delayed when British actress Letitia Wright (Shuri) was injured on set.
Filming paused in November when the actress suffered a shoulder fracture and concussion when a stunt went wrong. She was unable to resume filming for 5 months following the incident. The film was initially scheduled for release this summer, but the delays caused by the accident pushed the release to November of this year.
Video of the week
Lucy is a mum-of-two, multi-award nominated writer and blogger with six years’ of experience writing about parenting, family life, and TV. Lucy has contributed content to PopSugar and moms.com. In the last three years, she has transformed her passion for streaming countless hours of television into specialising in entertainment writing. There is now nothing she loves more than watching the best shows on television and sharing why you - and your kids - should watch them.
-
Why do I crave sugar? Causes of sugar cravings and how to stop them
If you're someone who suffers from sugar cravings you'll know how hard it is to give up the sweet stuff. But you're not alone.
By Debra Waters Published
-
Low sodium diet: the benefits of reducing salt and what foods to eat
By Emily-Ann Elliott Published
-
Balamory is back after two decades - why we can’t wait for the reboot of the iconic BBC series
What's the story in Balamory? Now you can find out, as the BBC announces the return of the beloved children's series nearly 20 years after the final episode aired.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Francesca in Bridgerton gay? With more great representation in the show, this expert shares how to start the conversation around sexuality with your teen if they’re watching
Is Francesca in Bridgerton gay? It's a question many have asked, and you might need to have conversations around sexuality with your teen if they’re watching.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Eric a true story? Benedict Cumberbatch lives every parent’s worst nightmare in new Netflix show
Is Eric a true story? Every parent’s worst nightmare plays out in Netflix's latest show, against a backdrop of 80s New York grappling with AIDS and racism.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Normal People season 2 rumours are circulating, and we have our own Marianne and Connell 'first love' stories to share
Normal People season 2 rumours are flying around, and we have our own Marianne and Connell moments to share - because everyone remembers their first heartbreak.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Channel 4 drama The Gathering explores 'toxic teenagers and their even more toxic parents' in an online world dominated by social media
New Channel 4 drama explores the challenges of impossible standards set by social media, and how parents themselves become toxic in their need to protect their kids.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Brandy pregnant? Bluey fans think the Heelers could be about to welcome a new cousin following the season 3 finale
Eagle-eyed Bluey viewers are wondering if Aunt Brandy is pregnant, following a touching moment in the season three finale.
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
Is Bluey ending? What we know about the rumours around the kids' cartoon, as the Heelers put their house up for sale
Bluey's producer has shared an update on the show's future
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
CoComelon has been accused of being 'overstimulating' - the experts explain why it's ok to let your kid watch the popular cartoon
CoComelon is adored by kids around the world, but some experts have shared reasons they don't think children should be watching - we look at both sides of the argument.
By Lucy Wigley Published