After San Diego Comic-Con 2022, we now have the first Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer to obsess over. We’ve waited so long to see exactly what’s going on with this film and now we have just that. Of course, what the trailer doesn’t do is answer the biggest question we’ve all had. Who is the new Black Panther?
Chadwick Boseman, who played King T’Challa and his alter ego the Black Panther in the first film died in 2020, leaving incredibly large superhero boots to fill. And though Disney and Marvel Studios have confirmed they won’t be recasting T’Challa himself, nor will they be using a digital stand-in for Boseman, that doesn’t mean the mantle of Black Panther will remain unoccupied–in fact, we got a split-second glimpse of a Black Panther costume at the end of the trailer. And sure, we don’t know who yet. However, after watching the first trailer for the movie, we certainly have some theories.
Who will take on the mantle? Join us as we try to figure out the answer to that question. And when you’re done with that, don’t forget about all of the other major news Marvel Studios dropped at Comic-Con. We’re getting two more Avengers movies, in addition to Thunderbolts, a new Captain America movie, and Fantastic Four. Plus, in a truly shocking moment, Kevin Feige outlined all of Phase 5 and Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Oh, also, there’s going to be more Cosmo the Spacedog in Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3, which is probably the most important reveal of the convention.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11, 2022.
Nakia
Played by: Lupita Nyong’o
Nakia would be a really interesting choice for the role. Not only did she have a very close connection with T’Challa, but is also one of Wakanda’s War Dogs. She’s a trained warrior and tends to go undercover as a spy–hiding a superhero identity should be easy.
Shuri
Played by: Letitia Wright
Following the death of Boseman, most fans just assumed Shuri would pick up her family’s mantle and become the new Black Panther. However, that remains to be seen. Still, she would certainly be a capable Black Panther. She’s well-trained, a technological wizard, incredibly smart, and seems game for that kind of adventure. There’s also a precedent for this in the comics.
Queen Ramonda
Played by: Angela Bassett
Queen Ramonda may seem like a long shot but stay with us. Prior to his death, King T’Chaka was the Black Panther, even at his older age. Why not Ramonda? Besides, who doesn’t want to see Angela Bassett suiting up as the Black Panther?
M’Baku
Played by: Winston Duke
While M’Baku did not agree with T’Challa becoming king at first, the two eventually became allies. Now, with a new Black Panther needed and Winston Duke returning as M’Baku in Wakanda Forever, this fearsome warrior would be an excellent fit.
Okoye
Played by: Danai Gurira
It’s possible nobody is more qualified for the role than Okoye. As the head of the Dora Milaje, she’s a highly-trained warrior with practically unmatched skills in combat. She’s also incredibly intelligent.
Kilmonger
Played by: Michael B. Jordan
We know what you’re saying. “Hey GameSpot, Kilmonger is dead, you idiots.” First of all, that’s harsh. Calm down. Now, we are officially in the Multiverse Saga portion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That means there are an untold number of Kilmongers out there and any of them could ring up on this particular earth. So, what if another Kilmonger joins the party–or, somehow, he didn’t actually die? Marvel does all kinds of wacky stuff–also you can’t deny that the gold suit in the trailer was very evocative of Kilmonger’s look from the first movie.
