Warning! This article contains major plot spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever! Read at your own peril! When Chadwick Boseman passed away in 2020, Marvel faced the bold task of appointing a new Black Panther for the franchise’s future. While the studio ultimately decided to crown T’Challa’s sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) as Wakanda’s pointy-eared defender, a new report reveals the science-savvy princess wasn’t the only candidate for the role. Speaking with Rolling Stone, Black Panther 2 screenwriter Joe Robert Cole said Winston Duke‘s M’Baku and Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia almost slipped into the suit.
“We would kick around the ideas, and try to extrapolate where the story goes and what’s the most impactful choice – what’s the best journey?” Cole said about the creative process. “And where do you go after the film in terms of those characters? M’Baku certainly was someone that got kicked around a little bit. I think you’re correct because in the comics, Shuri is Black Panther and there’s a natural organicness, I guess is the best way to say it, to her becoming Panther. But you kick the tires on all sorts of ideas. And you just want to make the best decision and do what’s best for the story.”
When asked about Nyong’o’s Nakia, Cole told Rolling Stone this idea “got kicked around! Her name got kicked around for sure.”
Cole also Hulk-smashed rumors about Marvel using a CGI replacement for Boseman’s T’Challa. According to Cole, the option never came up, regardless of how much weight fervent fans throw behind the rumor. “I don’t remember any conversations about that,” said Cole. “No. I don’t think we were ever… I don’t think anyone felt that would be appropriate.”
Do you think Marvel made the right call by appointing Shuri as the new Black Panther? Would M’Baku or Nakia be a better choice? After seeing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, I think the writers made the right choice. Shuri earned the right to wear the suit, and her journey to get there was emotional and satisfying. Do you feel the same? Please let us know what you think in the comments section.