The Future of Black Panther 2 After Chadwick Boseman's Passing

In the wake of Chadwick Boseman's passing in August 2020, the Black Panther franchise faced a significant transformation. Marvel Studios made the decision to honor Boseman's legacy by not recasting the role of TChalla. Instead, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was released in November 2022, featuring a new narrative that explored themes of grief, legacy, and the impact of TChalla's absence on Wakanda and its people.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the New Narratives

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduced new and expanded existing characters. Notably, Letitia Wright took on a more prominent role as Shuri, showcasing her development as a key figure in the Black Panther universe. Shuri's central role in the sequel highlights the rich and evolving dynamics within Wakanda.

The film delved into Wakanda's response to the loss of its king, particularly the challenges posed by theexternalthreat of the underwater kingdom of Talokan, led by Namor. This storyline underscored the enduring legacy of Black Panther and the importance of its continued existence.

Marvel's approach to the storyposthumouslywas both thoughtful and respectful, celebrating Boseman's contribution while paving the way for new narratives within the Black Panther universe. The film received positive reviews for its handling of these sensitive themes and its tribute to Boseman.

Filling the Void: Potential Heirs to the Black Panther Title

As the franchise moves forward, the Black Panther mantle may be passed to new characters. My guess is that the movie will explore the candidacy of several potential heirs, ultimately selecting one to become the next Black Panther. While the identity of this successor remains uncertain, there are numerous candidates who could step into this role.

Many suggest simply casting a new actor for the Black Panther role, much like what was done with Batman and Superman. However, the legacy of TChalla goes beyond just the individual. In the comics, Black Panther is a title and a role, not limited to a specific person. TChalla's predecessor, TChaka, was previously the Black Panther, and it stands to reason that someone will take on the mantle after him. The most probable candidates are Shuri and M'Baku.

Shuri: The Next In Line for the Throne

In the current storyline, Shuri is positioned as the next in line for the throne of Wakanda, being TChalla's younger sister. However, traditional customs might pose challenges for her ascension. The practice ofConfirmatory Combat could lead to significant opposition against her. Shuri would have to prove herself in combat to earn both the throne and the mantle of Black Panther. The primary arguments against her would likely be age and gender: she would be perceived as too young and female. Her main challenge would be facing M'Baku in combat.

Despite the traditional hurdles, I have a great hope that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever begins with a tribute to TChalla's legacy. A funeral scene, paying homage to Chadwick Boseman, would be an appropriate and emotionally resonant way to start the narrative. Even more impactful would be if TChalla's death was due to the same cause that took Boseman's life, colon cancer. A tasteful, respectful funeral scene could be the most fitting way to acknowledge Boseman's tragic loss.

Here's to hoping for a tribute that respects both the character and the actor, honoring their enduring legacy and paving the way for the next generation of Black Panther.