With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever closing Phase Four on November 11, 2022, early reactions have praised the sequel for being an emotional tale about loss and grief as the Wakadan nation deals with T'Challa's death. In many ways, the movie will serve as a heartfelt tribute to Chadwick Boseman and his legacy as the titular superhero, while also introducing Namor as the latest threat.
As fans prepare for the battle between the Talokans and Wakandans, it may surprise some that this clash has been subtly developing since Avengers: Endgame. Since the Black Panther's introduction in Captain America: Civil War, several critical plotlines led to these events in Wakanda Forever, including T'Challa's impact on the people closest to him and Wakanda's political situation.
Shuri & T'Challa's Sibling Dynamic
T'Challa and Shuri have one of the best sibling rivalries in the MCU. Their relationship has always been playful and heartwarming, with Shuri having designed T'Challa's new suit.
Given their banter and display of love for each other in the previous movie, Wakanda Forever will follow Shuri's bereavement period as she comes to terms with her brother's death. And given that the Black Panther mantle still needs to pass on, Shuri is the strongest candidate to take over the moniker, both as the next successor and the tech genius who improved the suit. If anyone can understand the usage of the Black Panther suit, it would be Shuri, and the trailers already hinted that she will be the next Black Panther.
M'Baku & The Jabari Tribe Became Wakanda's Greatest Ally
Wakanda Forever's main plotline will deal with the incoming war between the Talokans and Wakandans (although the history behind this has yet to be told). Nevertheless, Wakanda's strongest ally will be the Jabari tribe. This narrative is pivotal because the Jabari tribe was initially the Wakandan's greatest enemy before M'Baku and T'Challa eventually settled their tribe's animosity and became allies during Killmonger's short-lived power on the throne.
In addition, the Jabari showed up during the Battle of Wakanda as they attempted to defend one of the last remaining stones from Thanos. The Jabari has clearly become a trusted tribe and is expected to take part in the war against Namor and his people, with the trailers showing clips of M'Baku fighting against the Talokans. On top of this, with M'Baku as the tribe's leader, he also once fought for the Black Panther mantle in the original film, making him another possible contender for the Black Panther suit.
Wakanda's Other Allies & Sokovia Accords
The Jabari tribe is not the only conglomerate to join forces with the Wakandans. Due to the Infinity War, Wakandans also formed alliances with people like Sam Wilson, James Rhodes, Bucky Barnes, and Bruce Banner. And not too long ago, some members of the Dora Milaje also crossed paths with Sam and Bucky in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, making them the most feasible cameos in Wakanda Forever.
Their involvement becomes tricky with the Sokovia Accords, which would have prohibited them to participate in Wakanda's skirmish with the Talokans. But, as Matt Murdock disclosed in She-Hulk, the Sokovia Accords were repealed. This probably happened due to the repercussions of the Infinity War, weakening Earth's capability to defend itself against major threats. With the accord no longer active, any of these allies could easily jump into action and help the Wakandans. Although many fans will theorize who could show up, one character confirmed to appear in Wakanda Forever is CIA agent Everett Ross, who also had a hand against Killmonger.
T'Challa Defeated Killmonger
A critical storyline in 2018's Black Panther revolved around the film's primary villain, Killmonger. Killmonger was Prince N'Jobu's son and T'Challa's cousin, who wanted vengeance for his father's death and challenged the throne to acquire the metal riches for his revolution. The film ended with Killmonger succumbing to his wounds, but his conflict with T'Challa motivated the latter to change the country's isolationist stance.
With the sequel's story focused on T'Challa's death, many fans speculate whether this would open doors for Killmonger to come back in some form. What If...? already tackled a version of Killmonger, who is very much alive, and with the multiverse taking center stage, there is a chance for the character to come back. While the possibilities are unlikely, fans could expect some references about him and see the aftermath after those incidents.
Nakia Returns After Last Reconciling With T'Challa
Fans last remember Nakia when she eventually reconciled with her ex and became the head of the social outreach department for Wakandan International Outreach Centre. Before that, she was Wakanda's most talented secret agent, investigating human trafficking and being an important voice for Wakanda to be more diplomatic.
Although Nakia is one of the most prominent characters in the Black Panther story, she has relatively been absent since the 2018 movie. It's also unclear as to where her relationship stands with the king before his death as well, especially with T'Challa having been one of the victims of the Snap and Nakia presumably surviving it. This remains one of the more ambiguous subplots since Black Panther, although the trailers hint that she will be one of the powerful forces to defend Wakanda in the sequel.
There Is A Long History Of People Stealing Vibranium From Wakanda
Though Wakanda has become more diplomatic over the years, the nation is still sensitive about outsiders stealing their prized material - vibranium. Long before Wakanda Forever, outsiders and smugglers have tried to steal vibranium, given how valuable the metal is for its ability to absorb kinetic energy. However, even Wakandans know that such metal can't fall into the wrong hands as many people have tried to use it as a weapon to cause destruction and chaos among humanity.
While some items, like Captain America's shield, Sam's new suit, and Bucky's arm are representative of the so-called "rare" amount of vibranium found in the world, Wakanda has an abundant supply, which they have always guarded. With Wakanda now at its most vulnerable position, many groups and people want to get their hands on Wakanda's most valued possession. Based on the trailers, one such group will include the Talokans, with some trailer footage confirming that Namor and his people already possess a copious amount of vibranium and are likely fighting for more.
Wakanda Opened Themselves To The World
A major theme in Black Panther discussed Wakanda's stance as an isolationist country. Despite Killmonger's approach being a bit excessive, T'Challa did take away that he was not wrong about Wakanda's isolationism when they could provide resources to help the most vulnerable people in the world. In the film's final moment, T'Challa spoke to the United Nations and revealed that Wakanda would open itself to the world, providing assistance and aid to the people who need them the most.
Wakanda had already shown the impact of this by becoming the leading nation to take on Thanos during the Infinity War. However, with T'Challa's death, this decision may come to bite them. As Wakanda grieves for its king, many people and nations may try to take advantage of this opportunity to access its vibranium - one of them being Namor and the Talokans. This is particularly hinted at in the trailer as Queen Ramonda calls out the UN and the world for their inhumanity. T'Challa's death has left the nation somewhat defenseless, although it is expected that the Dora Milaje will try to defend Wakanda.
T'Challa & Shuri Were Victims Of The Snap
Perhaps, one of the most unsettling things to happen in Wakanda is that Thanos' Snap wiped out half the nation's population. Queen Ramonda seemingly survived, but she endured the tragic outcome that both her children were among the victims. It is unclear how much the sequel will discuss those events, but many fans could imagine Queen Ramonda was at her low point.
Although T'Challa and Shuri did return after the Blip, the Queen, unfortunately, relives the worst nightmare as the trailers show her mourning her son's passing. Furthermore, as an influential member of T'Challa's council, she reprimands them for their callousness and lack of empathy toward her. Hence, Queen Ramonda will clearly be a principal character as she and Shuri journey through their grief while helping Wakanda reclaim its position in the world. Given early reactions, Angela Bassett's performance as Queen Ramonda will be the movie's talking point, with some already discussing how she may earn an Oscar nomination.
Tony Stark's Death Opens Doors For A New Tech Genius
Although several movies and Disney+ shows have tackled the aftermath of the Blip, Tony Stark's legacy still ruminates throughout the Multiverse Saga. However, his passing has now opened doors for a new iron figure to take center stage: Riri Williams. Riri, aka Ironheart, will make her formal debut in the MCU, becoming another pivotal ally in fighting against Talokans.
A released clip shows Okoye and Shuri recruiting her, but it is unclear why the Wakandans reach out for her assistance. Nevertheless, comic book fans know that Ironheart's story will likely bring to life her origins from Marvel Comics, including how Tony's death was the catalyst for her to become the new iron successor. Furthermore, her introduction will explore other parts of the MCU story, such as her Ironheart series on Disney+ and Armor Wars.
Okoye Didn't Handle The Earthquake In Avengers: Endgame
With Okoye as one of the survivors, she guided the nation to cope with their losses and took an even bigger leadership role. She also worked with the Avengers, updating them about the occurrences on Earth and humanitarian efforts. It would be in Avengers: Endgame that Okoye revealed an unusual earthquake under the sea and thought the best way to "handle it is by not handling it." Of course, that small tease would eventually set up Wakanda's next threat - Namor the Sub-Mariner.
From the trailers, Namor is clearly an intimidating foe to the Wakandans, and fan theories for Wakanda Forever suggest that he likely killed T'Challa. Given Wakanda's pregnable position with T'Challa's death, it appears the underwater tribe will attack the nation to grab more vibranium and other dealings with Wakandans. Although relatively known as the Atlanteans in the comics, Marvel Studios made a creative change by referring to the nation as Talokan, inspired by the Mayan culture. Nevertheless, the conflict between Wakanda and Talokan will likely take inspiration from storylines in Marvel Comics, where the Wakandans and Atlanteans have a long history as sworn enemies.