A new trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever reveals perhaps the movie's biggest secret - the next Black Panther. The tease comes at the end of the exciting new trailer and is just one intriguing hint that offers perspective on the highly anticipated movie. The trailer offers more clues to the story and the ultimate direction for Wakanda and its beloved characters.
The trailer expands on the first teaser, providing more insight into the movie's story. It also gives much more focus on Namor, the legendary Marvel character and the anti-hero at least for the movie. He leads a massive attack against Wakanda and that promises an even bigger battle, one that likely reshapes the MCU.
Namor Flies
The most exciting new trailer reveal for longtime comics fans likely concerns Namor. Though some aspects of the iconic character's backstory have changed, including Atlantis becoming Talocan, many things carry over from the comics. That includes Namor flying with his winged feet as he does in a striking image from the new trailer.
Comic book fans know Namor debuted in Marvel Comics #1 back in 1939 and the king of Atlantis makes his cinematic debut in the new movie. He translates from the page very faithfully, with some fascinating new interpretations that promise an exciting new figure in the MCU.
Kukulcan
M'Baku, played by Winston Duke, refers to Namor as 'Kukulcan' in the new trailer, 'the feather-serpent god.' This aligns Namor with the mythic Kukulcan, a Mesoamerican serpent deity who appears in Talocan iconography throughout the trailer, including Namor's throne. M'Baku also says 'killing him will risk eternal war.'
The new trailer reveals that such an attempt may occur. Namor leads an attack on Wakanda and a starling shot shows his reflection in the window of the Wakandan throne room. He prepares to strike with his staff as Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) look on in shock.
Namor Is Broken
The new trailer begins with a voiceover that appears to be actor Tenoch Huerta as Namor. He says "Only the most broken people can become great leaders." This occurs as the trailer gives the best look yet at the underwater kingdom of Talocan and Namor taking his place on the impressive throne.
The statement implies a tragic past for Namor, which could tie into the conflict between Wakanda and Talocan. The teaser showed a brief shot of a young Namor outside a burning home and he may hold Wakanda responsible for a past tragedy that he seeks revenge for.
Namor Threatens Ramonda
Namor's animosity appears to focus on Queen Ramonda. The new trailer showcases a tense standoff between the two on a beach, with Namor appearing very angry. His ire for her may stem from her role as queen and figurehead for Wakanda, who Namor may hold responsible for a past tragedy.
Though Namor ranks among the most powerful Avengers in Marvel Comics, he often serves as a villain. He first appeared in the Marvel Universe in Fantastic Four #6 and fought the team routinely before becoming their ally against greater threats.
Standing Down
Namor's comment plays over contrasting images of T'Challa's funeral and Namor adding to a Talocan mural. His words regarding leadership may also hint at developments for Okoye. She enters the throne room alone and stabs her staff into the floor, implying perhaps that she is standing down from her duty to the king.
The new trailer offers little about her ultimate journey in the movie but with this sorrowful image appearing in context with Namor's voiceover, it's possible that Okoye herself becomes a greater leader in Wakanda out of her grief.
The Movie Begins With T'Challa's Funeral
The first teaser for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever revealed a celebratory occasion in Wakanda and the new trailer makes clear this is T'Challa's funeral. Given the trailer also shows a tidal wave devastating Wakanda, the funeral must take place early in the movie and T'Challa likely dies before it begins.
Shuri carries T'Challa's Black Panther mask, leading the procession along with her mother, Queen Ramonda. This haunting image foreshadows the trailer's powerful ending and final revelation.
Talocan Attacks
The new trailer expands on the mysterious ocean facility revealed in the teaser. Several Talocan warriors attack the facility at night, raising questions about the human soldiers also seen entering the facility. It's unclear if the soldiers defend or attack the facility itself, prompting Talocan to make their move.
The soldiers appear to hold scientists or workers in the remote facility hostage, making the events there uncertain. The scene certainly plays a key role in the movie given its prominence in both trailers so far.
Undercover Aneka
It seems both Wakanda and Talocan share a mutual interest in this facility. The new trailer reveals that Aneka, the Dora Milaje warrior played by Michaela Coel, goes undercover during this scene. She reveals herself in a key shot, removing her headdress as soldiers enter the highly advanced facility.
Dora Milaje then attack the soldiers, suggesting they had been lying in wait. Marvel Comics fans know the Dora Milaje appeared relatively recently in the comics, but Aneka plays a key role in the expanding Wakandan universe along with her partner, Ayo. She formed her own group, the Midnight Angels, who likely also appear given the blue armor she wears in the movie.
Ironheart Joins The Battle
Casting announcements revealed Riri Williams' involvement in the upcoming movie, but the new trailer reveals Riri fully becomes Ironheart in Wakanda. A fantastic sequence in the trailer features her assembling and then donning her Ironheart armor in shots that very deliberately echo the 2008 Iron Man movie.
Riri's origin differs greatly in Marvel Comics, where she builds her first armor while as a student at MIT. This follows the death of Tony Stark in the comics, though he assists her as a holographic avatar.
Shuri Is Black Panther
While much mystery remains about the next Black Panther, the new trailer reveals them in full. Marvel Comics fans likely can infer who this woman is based on events that played out on the page a little over ten years ago. With her distinctive ornamental mask, the new Black Panther appears to be Shuri.
This makes sense as Shuri likely inherits the mantle from her late brother. She appears to enter a fortress or facility belonging to the Jabari tribe, given the architecture and the ice she lands in.