Letitia Wright's injuries on the set of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are more serious than initially reported. Wright plays Shuri, the brother of T'Challa, and is expected to have an expanded role in the sequel, with some speculating she could even be taking over the Black Panther mantle. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the sequel will carry on the legacy of the previous film, albeit without the original star, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away in 2020.

Shuri serves as the mastermind behind Wakanda's technology, being a genius-level inventor and scientist who constructs everything from weapons to armor to other technologies that improve the country, as well as Black Panther's costume. Shuri was last seen being resurrected after Thanos' snap in Avengers: Endgame, where she took part in the final battle to save the planet with the rest of Marvel's superheroes.

Related: Black Panther 2 Letitia Wright Controversy Explained

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will attempt to piece the franchise together and carry on without the late Boseman, and Wright appears to be a big part of that, as underlined in new information from a note sent out to the cast and crew of the film, which is on hiatus following an injury the actress sustained earlier this year, pushing the release date of the film to November 11, 2022. In the note (via Deadline), from Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito, and Nate Moore, the details of Wright's injuries suggest a much more serious situation than was originally reported. Apparently, Wright suffered "a critical shoulder fracture and a concussion with severe side effects" which has had her recuperating from home with doctors and family. Here's what the producers had to say about the injury:

"...Letitia had a frightening accident on our set during a stunt back in August. It was a reminder of the importance of safety at all times in our work, which we know you understand and are committed to. What we had initially thought were minor injuries turned out to be much more serious with Letitia suffering a critical shoulder fracture, and a concussion with severe side effects. It has been a painful process and Letitia has been home recovering with her doctors and the support of family."

The death of Boseman has left a significant challenge for the filmmakers of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, especially as they've made it very clear that they won't recast Boseman's T'Challa. Since the character won't be recast, it means that someone will have to take on the mantle of Black Panther, leaving many rumors and suggestions since Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was announced. In the note, it's mentioned that they've adjusted the production schedule so the actress has the time to heal, saying, "but there’s only so much we can do without Shuri!" with an emphasis. They acknowledge how much she loves the role and is eager to get back to work while focusing on recuperating.

With the entire production being shut down due to Wright's injuries and the mention of how they are severely limited on continuing without Shuri suggests what many have already speculated on - that she will be the new Black Panther. In the comics, Shuri becomes Black Panther for a time as well, so it's not at all out of left field that she would take on the mantle of the character. While there are multiple characters that could potentially embody the character, Shuri feels like the most natural fit to take over, seeing as she's not only a blood-related character but the closest to T'Challa overall. In time, Marvel will reveal who the new Black Panther is in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but it's unlikely to be divulged anytime soon if they continue to play it close to the chest and Wright continues to heal.

Next: The MCU Just Proved Why Shuri Would Be The Best Leader Of Wakanda

Source: Deadline

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