Everyone went in shock upon receiving the news of Chadwick Boseman's death nearly two years ago. Boseman established himself as the perfect cast for the role of Black Panther.
Because of this, people started mourning the loss of the actor who passed away just at the age of 44. Not only that, people even started to reflect upon the projects that he gave us throughout his career.
The portrayal of T'Challa by Chadwick Boseman was outstanding. It is fair to say that no one will be able to replace his role as Wakanda's heir. But, the death of Boseman made everyone question the future of Black Panther in MCU.
Black Panther
Black Panther is a American superhero film which follows the story of T'Challa, aka Black Panther from Marvel Comics. The film does give the continuity to other franchise of Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The film was directed by Ryan Coogler. Not only that, he even co-wrote the screenplay alongside Joe Robert Cole. The film stars Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa, aka Black Panther alongside several other stars.
Black Panther Cast
- Chadwick Boseman portrays T'Challa, aka Black Panther
- Michael B. Jordan portrays Erik Killmonger
- Lupita Nyong'o portrays Nakia
- Danai Gurira portrays Okoye
- Martin Freeman portrays Everett Ross
- Letitia Wright portrays Shuri
- Winston Duke portrays M'Baku
- Angela Bassett portrays Queen Ramonda
- Andy Serkis portrays Ulysses Klaue
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an upcoming Marvel film based on the characters from Marvel comics. Ryan Coogler is back for the movie's sequel.
The plotline follows the leaders of Wakanda who try to protect their kingdom after the death of T'Challa. The first trailer of the film introduces two new characters to the MCU.
Iron Heart and Namor will make their debut. Not only that, we will be able to see someone else take the mantle of the Black Panther. But who is it going to be?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Cast
- Letitia Wright portrays Shuri
- Lupita Nyong'o portrays Nakia
- Danai Gurira portrays Okoye
- Martin Freeman portrays Everett Ross
- Winston Duke portrays M'Baku
- Angela Bassett portrays Queen Ramonda
- Tenoch Huerta portrays Namor
- Dominique Thorne portrays Riri Williams, aka Ironheart
- Winston Duke portrays M'Baku
How did Black Panther die in Marvel Comics?
In Marvel Comics, Black Panther didn't die actually. When Namor invited Black Panther for a meeting, Black Panther went there without any hesitation. But after rejecting Namor's request of joining his group known as Cabal.
Black Panther got attacked by another member of Cabal, Doctor Doom. Somehow, Black Panther managed to escape but he was heavily injured.
Black Panther's injury led him to a coma. In the absence of the protector of Wakanda, someone else had to take the mantle of the Black Panther. So that is when Shuri stepped up and became the new Black Panther.
Chadwick Boseman's Death
After the death of Boseman, few questions started to raise as who will replace Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther 2. But the director, Ryan Coogler stepped up to shut the rumors about the recast.
This statement from the director himself left everyone to wonder about who is the next Black Panther. Ever since the statement, different rumors and fan theories had sparked on the internet. Just like Comics, there needs to be a new protector of Wakanda. But the question is who will be the new Black Panther.
Who will be the next Black Panther now?
It might be a common question in everyone's mind right now. Who will be the next Black Panther? Or, we might also witness an heiress as we can see Queen Ramonda took responsibility for Wakanda's throne.
So, let's talk about who could possibly take the mantle of the Black Panther in MCU.
Who is the next Black Panther?
The first Black Panther movie introduced a lot of characters in the MCU. Among them, few characters are really up to taking the mantle of the Black Panther.
Shuri
Shuri is the princess of Wakanda and T'Challa's sister. She is also the leader of the Wakandan Design Group. While talking about the possible character to take the mantle of the Black Panther, Shuri is the first choice in everyone's mind.
Being the youngest child of T'Chaka, Shuri is also an heiress to the throne. And, this also gives her the right to take the mantle of the Black Panther.
Shuri as Black Panther in Marvel Comics
In the comics, Shuri did become the Black Panther for a brief moment of time. When T'Challa was heavily injured while battling the Cabal, Shuri stepped up to become the Black Panther. She went up to the sacred mountain and even took the Heart-Shaped Herb. Then, she passed the test from The Panther God and becomes Black Panther.
During her time as the Black Panther, Shuri went on to defend Wakanda on several occasions. She even went against the likes of Doctor Doom and Namor.
The Chances of Shuri being the next Black Panther
Lots of rumors are going on as Ryan Coogler clarified that there won't be a recast for the role of T'Challa. Hence, Shuri is the most rumored character who will take her brother's mantle.
Shuri made her MCU debut back in 2018's Black Panther. Since then her character has undergone a beautiful transformation. It will definitely be logical to see her take that mantle.
M'Baku
M'Baku is the leader of the Jabari Tribe and one of the fierce warrior of Wakanda. He is only second to T'Challa in terms of the greatest warrior in the kingdom. And this clearly shows how strong he is.
While there are rumors about Shuri taking the mantle all over the internet, there are a few rumors about M'Baku being the next Black Panther as well.
M'Baku in Marvel Comics
In Comics, M'Baku hasn't donned the Black Panther suit yet. But he did rule the kingdom of Wakanda for some time, while T'Challa was away with the Avengers.
The Chances of M'Baku being the next Black Panther
A few months ago, one of the inside sources revealed surprising news. M'Baku portrayed by Winston Duke will be the next Black Panther in the MCU.
During an interview, Duke even mentioned that he has signed a new contract with Marvel Studios for an extended role. This does indicate the chances of him being the next Black Panther.
But after analyzing the trailer, it is quite easy to determine that the Black Panther in the trailer is not him. Also, the extended role he mentioned can be as the king of Wakanda without being the Black Panther as well.
Erik Killmonger
Erik Killmonger was the son of prince, N'Jobu. He was also a former United States Navy SEAL. He earned the name "Killmonger" while serving with a U.S. Military Black Ops unit.
Even though Killmonger died in the first Black Panther film, it is still possible for him to make a return. Moreover, the return of Killmonger does not seem to make sense now. But, in the comics, he has returned several times after being dead.
Erik Killmonger in Comics
Erik Killmonger, aka N'Jadaka, is one of the fierce enemies of T'Challa. On several occasions, Killmonger has attempted to take the mantle of the Black Panther. But, he hasn't received any success until now.
Killmonger did manage to defeat T'Challa once. But while consuming the heart-shaped herb, he got poisoned instead.
The Chances of Erik Killmonger being the next Black Panther
Talking about the chances of Erik Killmonger being the next Black Panther, it is quite low. Since he died at the end of the first Black Panther film, it will not make sense to bring him back.
But the Black Panther suit in the trailer of Black Panther 2 is quite similar to Killmonger's suit. That is why there have been certain rumors here and there. Do know that, it is still possible to bring him back.
Will Michael B. Jordan return for Black Panther 2?
Since the chances of Erik Killmonger being the next Black Panther is quite low, we might not see Michael B. Jordan in Black Panther 2.
But according to few rumors, Michael B. Jordan reprise his role for a cameo. He might appear in the ancestral plane since he died in the first Black Panther film. But only time will tell whether we will be see him in Black Panther 2 or not.
Wakanda without the Black Panther?
Among various rumors going around the internet, there is a rumor about no Black Panther as well. As per the rumors, everyone will reprise their own character's role only.
No one will take the mantle of the Black Panther and we won't be able to see the character of the Black Panther again. Also, the Black Panther seen in the trailer is just a flashback memory about the Black Panther.
The possibility for this to happen is very high. As we have seen a lot of expectations in Marvel's movie trailers but end up disappointed. We have to wait until the release of the movie or any official confirmation regarding the question, "Who will be play Black Panther now?".
Any Other Characters?
Apart from these three characters, we are still left with several great warriors of Wakanda. Such as Okoye, Nakia, and Ayo.
But it won't make sense for them to take the mantle of the Black Panther. So it would be better to keep them out of the potential candidate list for the next Black Panther.
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