Sean Marshall Fans of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe can agree that, as of now, there was a hole left in the Black Panther sequel after the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Kevin Feige made it clear that he would not replace Boseman’s character in the upcoming sequel, which left many fans & casual fans divided.
“So much of the comics and that first movie is the world of Wakanda. Wakanda is a place to further explore with characters and different subcultures. This was always and initially the primary focus of the next story. We’re not going to have a CG Chadwick and we’re not recasting T’Challa. Ryan Coogler is working very hard right now on the script with all the respect and love and genius that he has, which gives us great solace, so it was always about furthering the mythology and the inspiration of Wakanda. There’s also the task of honoring and respecting the ongoing learnings and teachings from Chad as well.”
So how can Marvel fill this void that can hopefully keep the third film elevated? Well, one way is by bringing Shuri in to replace T’Challa. I know most casual fans are at odds 
with this decision, but the upset ones most likely have not read 2009’s Black Panther #1 written by Reginald Hudlin. In this issue, Doctor Doom viciously beat T’Challa & after he turned down Norman Osborn’s cabal. T’Challa returned to Wakanda, holding onto his life which left Queen Ororo (Storm) to become the leader of Wakanda. While in her new position, Queen Ororo made Shuri the new Black Panther until T’Challa became strong enough to pick up the mantle again.
Shuri is the obvious choice to replace T’Challa & Feige said he wasn’t recasting T’Challa, which leaves the door open for Shuri to step in. I can understand when some say that we haven’t spent enough time with Shuri & that throwing her into the Black Panther role just because Boseman has passed might feel forced. However, it’s inevitable & we will see her as Black Panther sooner rather than later. I go into more detail about how I think she’ll tie into Ironheart’s character here.
The other way they can fix it might cause some to scratch their heads, but I need you to bear with me. I honestly think there’s a chance that Killmonger will appear again & pick up the mantle of Black Panther. Yes, I know he “died” at the end of 2018’s Black Panther movie, but after watching it again, I don’t think he will remain dead for long. Most comic book readers know that Killmonger has died multiple times throughout the comics & has been brought back using The Altar of Ressurection. I feel that T’Challa kept Killmonger’s body & that in the next film, an enemy will emerge & challenge Wakanda to the point where Shuri will have to resurrect Killmonger to help Wakanda. Again, Killmonger was the last to eat the Heart-Shaped Herb before the rest were destroyed. Having Killmonger & Shuri interact with each other would be powerful & showing him strive to heal the wound he left on Wakanda & its citizens would be deep.
Is this a reach? I guess some will look at it that way, but you have to admit that Killmonger coming back to be the new Black Panther would be an exciting jump forward. What do you think about Shuri or Killmonger stepping up to be the next Black Panther? Who would you prefer between the two?
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