Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was a thrilling letter of love to Chadwick Boseman. The film delivered a meaningful story with thrilling action and beloved characters. Audiences were introduced to both new and interesting corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These new corners of the MCU included underwater civilizations, along with new characters. At two hours and forty-one minutes, there are plenty of new story elements to explore. Certain story elements promise a bright and exciting future in the MCU.
To properly discuss Black Panther’s future, spoilers for Wakanda Forever have to be disclosed. The revelations include Shuri becoming the Black Panther and what it could mean for the future. Revealing who takes up the mantle was not the only surprise the film had in store. Besides a new Black Panther, numerous Easter eggs were established for the future MCU. Each clue promises a unique idea, delivered in the Marvel package. No matter the number of Easter eggs one thing is guaranteed. The future of Black Panther is ripe with endless opportunities.
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Wakanda Forever ends on a note of hope by introducing Nakia and T’Challa’s son, Toussaint. It is a sweet and sad sequence that left fans entirely moved. While a very touching scene, it should not be the end of Shuri’s journey.
The world of Wakanda Forever does not currently have a superhero team. No longer having the Avengers leaves the world open to all kinds of dangerous threats. With the remaining new-and-old heroes, a new threat is beginning to rise and take shape. This could require a new group of Young Avengers to lead the universe going forward.
Phase Four of the MCU has been planting the seeds of this team from the beginning. Characters like Yelena Belova, Kate Bishop, and Elijah Bradley (the grandson of the first Black Captain America) have been established as prominent figures. But, none of these characters have the same in-depth history that Shuri has established. To properly form this team, you need a character that has the mentality of a leader. The end of Wakanda Forever allowed Shuri to begin to blossom into the leader of Wakanda she was meant to be. If Shuri takes up a leadership position there are a variety of new threats on the horizon. With Kang seeking out domination of the multiverse, chances are high for new heroes to appear.
Kang’s role in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumina opens the door for another Young Avenger to appear. One of Kang’s variants, Nathaniel Richards, eventually takes up the mantle of Iron Lad. Adding Nathaniel to the team gives a new sense of humanity, which could be a benefit for Shuri. Including this character could provide moments of maturity for Shuri in a leadership position.
The threat of Kang The Conqueror will not be the only risk that the Young Avengers could face. Queen Ramonda’s actions in Wakanda Forever have attracted the attention of rival nations. Certain nations like the United States could see this as an opportunity to control Vibranium. In order for plausible deniability, an MCU team unlike any other could make an appearance.
The Thunderbolts Could Be Shuri’s Enemy
Wakanda Forever gave audiences a taste of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s future MCU plans. Appearing first in the Disney+ television series Falcon and The Winter Solider, de Fontaine has been building a team of her own. The Thunderbolts are a team of Marvel supervillains who are attempting to reform their ways. Fontaine’s role as the director of the CIA in Wakanda Forever was a surprise for many fans. The events of Wakanda Forever could be a fear response that misinterprets Wakanda as the enemy. In their theatrical debut, it appears that Yelena Belova will lead the team.
If The Thunderbolts are sent into Wakanda it could be what makes the Young Avengers form. Baron Zemo is the Thunderbolt’s leader but has yet to be revealed as a part of the film. Zemo’s involvement in the film could be the crux for the Young Avengers to form. The Thunderbolts appearing in Wakanda could be what allows Shuri to connect with Yelena. It would be rather obvious to start these characters as enemies. The end of the film could be Young Avengers beginning to take formation, with Yelena and Shuri becoming allies. This is one of the most natural and organic ways for Black Panther’s future to continue.
Black Panther has a bright and prosperous future in the Marvel Cinematic universe. Shuri becoming the character opens up opportunities for new superheroes to rise in the ranks. With the threat of Kang of The Conquerer approaching, heroes of all kinds will need to come together. In a world without the Avengers, new protectors are needed for any threat against the planet. Who better to lead the charge than Shuri? This story arc could offer new depths to Shuri and fellow Young Avengers. Black Panther’s potential could be a driving force for the MCU’s future.
