Spider-Man is set to receive a new costume in Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Black Panther’s Shuri may be its creator. Returning director Jon Watts will helm the Spidey sequel, which picks up mere moments after the epic conclusion of Avengers 4. As such, Far From Home will be the first of Marvel’s Phase 4, representing a turning point for both the web-crawling hero and the wider MCU.

In his journey to Europe, Spider-Man will have to contend with more than new customs and cuisines: he has an array of new costumes to try out. As well as his original red and blue Stark suit, Tom Holland has been spotted on set with several new costumes: a dark stealth suit, which strongly resembles the costume of Spider-Man: Noir, and a red-and-black twist on his classic outfit.

Related: Everything Revealed By The Spider-Man: Far From Home Set Photos

On first glance, there don't seem to be that many differences between this new costume and the Stark suit, aside from the obvious switch of blue to black. But upon closer inspection, we can surmise a few details about the costume, its maker, and the state of the MCU going forward.

Everything We Know About The New Spider-Man Suit

Spider-Man Far From Home Costume Manhattan

The red and black coloring of Spider-Man’s new costume is a considerable departure from the red/blue combination that moviegoers will know, although is hardly new compared to the comics. Indeed, Spider-Man was originally depicted in red and black during his first comic book appearances; blue was initially used only to define his muscles and the panel’s lighting. Spider-Man: Far From Home’s suit has also been compared to Alex Ross’s sleek concept art for Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and the new dark, angular design of both the Superior Spider-Man and Miles Morales costumes.

As for why Peter needs a change-up, that depends on a plot that, to this point, has been a closely guarded secret. With no Spider-Man: Far From Home trailer yet released, there’s little to suggest how this new costume’s capabilities differ from Spider-Man’s other outfits. However, we can assume that it will feature a Spidey’s usual crime-fighting paraphernalia, including web shooters, Spider-tracers, and the Spider-signal, as well as more recent MCU additions like adaptive lenses and the endearing A.I., Karen (Jennifer Connelly).

It has been speculated that Spider-Man’s stealth suit – and the darker colors of his new costume – could denote his new status as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) are said to have prominent roles in Far From Home, so that's definitely a possible. But the two different suits may also highlight some other technology at Spider-Man’s disposal – and therefore hint at another plot line.

As seen in Spider-Man: Far From Home set photos, along with the newly blackened sections of the costume, there is also silver detailing on Spider-Man’s back, legs, arms, and around the chest insignia. Their sharp composition is reminiscent of the interlocking nanotechnology that forms Iron Man’s suit – as well as Black Panther’s (Chadwick Boseman) vibranium outfit. Given that Peter was scavenging for technology in dumpsters during Captain America: Civil War, it’s doubtful that he could either afford or manufacture a suit of this quality all by himself. And, with the end of Robert Downey Jr’s Marvel contract meaning Tony Stark is set to retire or pass away during the events of Avengers 4, the young Spider-Man is without his mentor and armorer. However, there is one candidate who could fill the latter gap nicely.

Page 2 of 2: Could Shuri Fit Into Spider-Man: Far From Home?

Shuri should appear in Spider-Man 2

Is Shuri In Spider-Man: Far From Home?

Letitia Wright's Shuri was a breakout character of Black Panther, with her humor and her no-nonsense attitude immediately winning audiences over. As brother to King T'Challa and Wakanda's chief scientist, she notably created his nanotech suit and much of Wakanda's newer and innovative technologies.

As of yet, there's no official confirmation that Letitia Wright is playing any part in Spider-Man: Far From Home, nor has she been spotted near any of the movie's numerous location shoots. However, that does not necessarily mean that she won't star in the Spidey sequel. Marvel Studios famously maintains a high level of secrecy around its movies, most recently evidenced by Red Skull's shock appearance in Infinity War.

Certainly, the higher-ups at Marvel Studios have certainly noticed how beloved Black Panther and his cast of characters have become. Infinity War directors Anthony and Joe Russo openly admitted that they had misjudged their popularity, and there are reports that some of Avengers 4's reshoots aimed to give them more screen time. Similarly Kevin Feige has assured fans that Shuri will have an increasingly larger role within the MCU's future. Furthermore, there is a strong interest in a Spider-Man/Shuri partnership from Tom Holland himself. While none of that is a guarantee, it definitely keeps the possibility open for speculation on a surprise in Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Of course, it's one thing to say Shuri could appear, it's another for her to have a reason to. Marvel rarely does cameos without a story purpose. However, the new suit may just explain that.

Does Shuri Design Spider-Man's New Suit?

With the might of Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) pitted against the wall-crawler, he’s going to need all the help that he can get in Spider-Man: Far From Home and beyond. A vibranium suit would surely help him out considerably, since it's a highly resilient and adaptable material. And that would be where Letitia Wright’s Shuri comes in.

There’s plenty to support the theory that Shuri had a hand in designing Spidey’s new threads. That silver and black patterning in Spidey's costume is a trademark of her work. Plus, Black Panther established that Wakanda is now willing to offer its assistance to the rest of the world, and a surviving Avenger would be high up a list of allies. Indeed, there is a comic book precedent of it occurring, such as when Spider-Man was dying during The Other story-line.

It seems almost certain that alliances of this kind will become a mainstay in the evolving MCU. With the majority of the core Avengers bowing out over the next few Marvel movies, new superhero team-ups are needed to fill the power vacuum. Therefore, cameos and movie appearances – such as Doctor Strange’s small role in Thor: Ragnarok – will likely become more commonplace.

Yet Spider-Man and Shuri’s partnership would not only function out of necessity but likely out of friendship as well. From her appearances in Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War, it’s clear that T’Challa’s little sister is a formidable scientist. She has a particular flair for crafting superhero suits, and took great delight in tinkering with T’Challa’s arsenal. Given that Peter is a similarly youthful, lively, wise-cracking science enthusiast, it’s very easy to imagine him and Shuri getting along.

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Excitement is already increasing among Marvel fans as Spider-Man: Far From Home's release date continues to creep closer. It is sure to intensify even further if there's the suggestion that Shuri has a hand in the proceedings.

Next: Spider-Man: Far From Home - Every Update You Need To Know

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