Shuri might not have been the main character in Black Panther, but she had a big impact on the movie and her role was expanded much further in the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Given that Shuri is a genius and scientist, her romantic life definitely shouldn’t be the focus of her story in future films. However, as with all characters, it’s always fun for fans to imagine possible romantic relationships for their favorite characters.
Updated on November 11th, 2022 by Colin McCormick: With her return in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri looks poised for a larger role in the MCU. And along with stepping into the spotlight, it could mean that she will also be getting a love interest within the MCU before long. While the perfect match for Shuri is difficult to pin down, there are some more interesting possibilities, including some of the new characters introduced in Phase 4.
Brad Davis
Given that Shuri is only a teenager in the events of Black Panther, and because she is snapped by Thanos she is still technically a teen, most of the people close to her age come from the Spider-Man films.
While, of course, Brad Davis is overall rather unlikable and doesn’t seem good enough for Shuri at all, there aren’t as many options for her that we’ve seen in the films so far because she’s not an adult.
Bruno Carrelli
While it remains to be seen where Ms. Marvel will appear next in the MCU, many fans would like to see her joined by her best friend Bruno. He is a loyal ally who helps Kamala adjust to her new life as a superhero. Though he clearly has feelings for Kamala, they seem better as friends, and he could be a good match for Shuri.
Like Shuri, Bruno is an intelligent young person who uses his knowledge to design superhero things for Kamala. He could learn a lot from Shuri, but they seem compatible.
Liz
Liz makes an appearance in Spider-Man: Homecoming, but it’s unlikely that she will return for future MCU films. These two don’t seem to have a lot of personality traits in common, but they would at least make more sense than Shuri being with someone like Brad.
However, since it’s very unlikely these two would ever meet, this relationship will only really exist in some of the more obscure areas of fan fiction.
Ned Leeds
Ned Leeds is an adorable, sweet character and a great friend to Peter Parker. It’s not hard to imagine him and Shuri getting along as they have different personalities but could complement one another.
Ned would likely be very supportive of all of her inventions, and she would probably make him laugh. While these two might be better as friends than as boyfriend and girlfriend, it would be endearing if Shuri got a chance to meet some of the characters from Spidey’s world.
Betty Brant
While Betty Brant is more of a side character in Far From Home, she’s a smart, ambitious young woman who is also sweet and caring. Her relationship with Ned was the perfect example of young love and what it’s like to date in high school.
While Shuri and Betty probably wouldn't meet either just because there are so many characters in the MCU, they wouldn’t be an awful match.
A New Wakandan Character
If the MCU ever did give Shuri a love interest, the most likely candidate would be a completely new character. While Shuri in the MCU is quite different from Shuri in the comics, there is the possibility for some crossover.
Shuri is also single in the comics currently, but there’s always the possibility of introducing a great, interesting new character for either of these mediums.
Peter Parker
The relationship between Peter Parker and MJ is really wholesome and sweet, and the MCU did a good job at making their relationship seem realistic and age-appropriate. However, the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home seems to have left the door open for a new romance for Peter and Shuri is a great option.
They do have a lot in common. They are both extremely smart and love science and inventions. While Shuri might see Peter more as a friend, it would be amazing if they at least got to meet in the films at some point.
Kate Bishop
Making her debut in Hawkeye, Kate Bishop became one of the most likable new heroes of Phase 4. She is another Marvel character who has accomplished a lot at a young age and potentially offers a match for Shuri if they ever end up meeting.
Shuri might be charmed by Kate's goofy and somewhat awkward personality while also being impressed with her bravery as a warrior. They might actually make one of the most unexpected couples in the MCU who somehow work.
Riri Williams
One of the most exciting aspects of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the MCU debut of Riri Williams aka Ironheart. While she will eventually be headlining her own Disney+ series, she will be introduced as part of this story. And it seems clear that she and Shuri will form a connection.
They are both talented, smart, and tough young women who are heroes. With Shuri potentially mentoring Riri, a strong bond could form between them.
MJ
While Peter and Shuri would likely become fast friends based on their common interests, it’s hard to see them as a romantic pair. Peter is a bit dorky, and Shuri would probably just enjoy teasing him a lot.
MJ would provide a bit more balance as she’s more serious and “cool.” These two would probably get along really well and enjoy gently making fun of Peter.
An Atlantean Character
Shuri and the other heroes of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have their work cut out for them with Namor. As one of the most powerful Black Panther villains, Namor will also be introducing his Atlantean people into the MCU.
Perhaps in the end, the Wakandans and Atlanteans will come to some understanding and peace. This could be strengthened with a marriage between them with Shuri being a likely choice. While Namor himself is too old of a match for her, there may be another Atlantean character to step in.
No One
While there’s nothing wrong with romantic storylines, they are often just overdone. Not every character needs to have a love interest, and it would probably be less stereotypical and more suited to the character to not give her a love interest at all.
This really depends on how the MCU chooses to go forward with Black Panther and with the character. There's a possibility that Shuri will take up the mantle, but we just don't know for sure.