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The mystery surrounding Marvel Studios’Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s new titular hero is finally answered in the movie’s official trailer. Many speculations have been made prior to the release of the promo, guessing who will take up the mantle ofBlack Panthernow that its original actor, Chadwick Boseman, has passed away.
Of all theories, there can be only one clear hint as to who will take over – and it is a woman. Many believed T’Challa’s sister,Shuri(Letitia Wright) is the rightful successor to the title. Others also suggested it could be Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) or Okoye (Danai Gurira). All of them have what it takes to embody the symbolic panther costume, but only one will get to wear it.
RELATED:“Man, could we ever do Namor?”: Black Panther 2 Director Ryan Coogler Reveals His Last Ever Call With Chadwick Boseman, Lays Out His Epic Original Script With the Late Actor
Who Is Playing Namor And What Is His Ethnicity?
Namor(Tenoch Huerta) is the main antagonist in the sequel film, and it is clear that he brings chaos and war into Wakanda’s peaceful realm. His and Black Panther’s rivalry has been a long-time beloved Marvel story that fans will witness in just a week. Even though it will be in a different shape, it will still be as compelling and relevant as the comic book story.
Director Ryan Coogler explained toEntertainment Weeklythat his version of Namor is unique toWakanda Forever. The villain’s origin is from Talocan, a location inspired by the Mayan culture.
RELATED:Black Panther Box Office Collection: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Expected to Cross $1 Billion Mark
In the comics, Namor is a mutant-hybrid son of a mortal father and an Atlantean princess. Tenoch Huerta, the actor behind the character, is of Aztec and Purépecha descent. Winston Duke, who plays M’Baku, said in his interview withLA Timesthat Namor is not just “another Aquaman” and he added:
“In our version, it feels a lot more real than fiction. In the MCU fashion, we’ve grounded it in real cultural significance and cultural traditions. You see the Latinx contingent that is present visually. Ryan Coogler’s creation within the Marvel cinematic landscape is one of deep honor and connection to real stuff.”
In the long run, the story of Namor andBlack Panther, as a mutant and an Avenger, introduces a bigger and more complicated universe that Marvel is yet to explore in the future.
RELATED:“The hope is audience demand that we make another one”: Marvel Studios Producer Hopes Fans Demand Black Panther 3 After Floating a Few Ideas
New MCU Characters in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Aside from Namor,Wakanda Foreverwill also feature new characters that fans will soon meet. Michaela Coel and Dominique Thorne will join the cast as Aneka and Riri Williams, respectively.
Aneka is the first queer character in the movie who we know has a romantic relationship with a fellow Dora Milaje. Williams, on the other hand, is not of Wakandan origin but a teenager with a genius-level IQ mentored by Tony Stark. She goes by the monikerIronheart.
There will still be lots of mysteries to uncover that will only be answered once the film hits the big screens. All we know is that the cast did their best to pay honor to Boseman’s legacy through the sequel.
Black Panther: Wakanda Foreveris set to hit theaters this June 11, 2025.
RELATED:“I’m not like one of those guys”: Michael B. Jordan Addresses Returning as Erik Kilmonger in Black Panther 2, Teases Fans With Cryptic Statement
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3532
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
