The sequel’s secrecy surrounding the identity of the new panther was relatively absolute. The advances barely revealed that the mantle would be inherited by a woman, which still left several options for a story full of great warriors. However, it was enough to pay attention to the rest of the promotional material to assume that Shuri, T’Challa’s sister and played by Letitia Wright, would be the one, since much of the publicity revolved around her. The prognosis came true and today the genius girl from Wakanda is also her legendary protector.
Now that the fate of the African country has been defined for now with the premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda forever, there is nothing left but to wonder what awaits the character. Is there a future for this new panther or will she end up doomed in the long shadow of the original hero?
a difficult step
There are moments in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in which Shuri feels so emotionally lost and affected, that it seems that the film lacks a protagonist. This is not a failure of the actress or the script, rather a new show of talent from the parties involved that perfectly reflect the feelings of emptiness left by the departure of a loved one.
Shuri was always contemplated to be the successor to T’Challa. This is how the actress confessed when she revealed that the possibility was considered during the production of the original film. The plan seemed to gain momentum given the enormous popularity of the character, one of the most beloved supporting characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, whose mix of charisma, joviality and defiant attitude to Wakandan traditionalism had no problem challenging audiences. To this we add his enormous courage despite his presumed fragility, being a person more of science than of action, which did not prevent him from joining the battlefield when the situation warranted it. Yes, she was always looked up to, but no one thought that she should take up the mantle so soon.
Just as the death of Chadwick Boseman and consequently of T’Challa forced to restructure the franchise, it also implied an internal change in those closest to him. Like Shuri, whose joy fades to give way to a deep sense of sadness, hopelessness, and even revenge. Unlike Peter Parker, who faced the death of his Aunt May with the support of other spiders who went through similar situations, Shuri lived it alone. By his own decision to lock himself in his technology, but also because the closest core of him grieved his way. Even the post-credits scene focuses on grieving and moving on, with which Marvel once again shows his humanity. This is where the charm of this new panther lies.
Wakanda forever; marvel forever
The Shuri we met in Black Panther is gone forever to make way for a young woman who has yet to define herself in order to find her place in the world. A route that will be deeply complicated by the loss of her entire family; due to the pressures coming from abroad, with different world powers trying to seize power from Wakandan and who will surely increase their efforts due to the inexperience of the new sovereign; and of course for the opening of the multiverse that will be accentuated in Phase 5.
It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for a franchise in transition. Many of the original heroes have left to make way for direct successors. Although Black Panther was not part of these plans, circumstances have forced it and Shuri will have the full support of a new generation of heroes with whom he will be able to mature along with. Although in her case, it must be said, with the big difference that she is not a newcomer, but a pre-established character. This puts her at the level of Falcon, currently better known as Captain America, as well as Spider-Man, who will experience a symbolic reboot after what happened in No Way Home.
His rise will also be decisive for Marvel to increase the number of female main characters, a goal that was raised for a long time, but has not been able to achieve. Black Widow is gone, Captain Marvel hasn’t quite connected, the Wasp has always been seen as a bit side, Mighty Thor’s status is uncertain, while the new wave of female heroes still has a lot to prove. Shuri could become key in leading this much-needed step in the biggest franchise in recent times.
Is there a future for this new panther? Much. Wakanda forever is just the first step in a story that still has a lot to do and that will surely keep Black Panther as one of its cornerstones. We will never forget T’Challa, but Shuri’s reign begins today. And we can’t wait to enjoy it.