Wakanda Forever's Prince Toussaint Fully Explained

Note: The following article contains spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever features the introduction of Prince Toussaint, an important new character in the Black Panther mythos. Marvel Studios decided to retire the character of T'Challa following the passing of Chadwick Boseman out of respect for the actor, and his in-universe death plays a pivotal role in Wakanda Forever. The film's biggest tribute to Boseman comes in its post-credits scene. The sequence sees Shuri (Letitia Wright) on the beach in Haiti, behind Nakia's (Lupita Nyong'o) home, where she burns the ceremonial garb she wore to T'Challa's funeral as she finds closure for his passing.

At that moment, she is approached by Nakia and a boy, who turns out to be T'Challa and Nakia's son. The boy is introduced with his Haitian name of Toussaint, but he later reveals his Wakandan name: T'Challa, Prince of Wakanda. Nakia explains she moved to Haiti after she and T'Challa decided they didn't want their son to grow up surrounded by the pressures of royal responsibilities. Then, following Black Panther's return in Avengers: Endgame and his discovery of the illness that ultimately took his life, T'Challa asked Nakia to remain in Haiti. Toussaint served as a touching closing moment for T'Challa's story, but his appearance may understandably prompt questions.

Who Is T'Challa's Son In The Comics?

Azari manipulates lightning in Marvel Comics.

Though T'Challa doesn't have a son in the main Marvel Comics continuity, he has had offspring in alternate universes with his longtime partner and X-Men member, Ororo Munroe, a.k.a. Storm. Though different versions of his children have appeared in the comics, arguably the most recognizable one is Azari T'Challa. The character didn't originate on the printed page, however. Azari first appeared in 2008's Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow, an animated film set in an apocalyptic future where the Avengers were killed by Ultron, leaving their children—one of them being Azari—behind.

Mentored by an aging Tony Stark, Azari and his super-powered friends teamed up to stop the villain. Azari was then brought into Marvel Comics continuity in 2010's Avengers #1. While he shares a name with the character, the MCU's T'Challa appears to be significantly different. Firstly, the characters have different mothers. Secondly, Azari is a mutant, with a combination of electricity-based powers inherited from Storm and enhanced agility and strength from Black Panther. Toussaint, on the other hand, seems to be a normal boy. Taking that into consideration, it appears T'Challa and Nakia's son is an original creation not based on a pre-existing character.

Who Plays Toussaint In Black Panther 2?

Toussaint/T'Challa is played by actor Divine Love Konadu-Sun, with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever marking his feature-film debut. Marvel has consistently hired up-and-coming actors for pivotal roles, such as Ms. Marvel's Iman Vellani and Ironheart's Dominique Thorne, who coincidentally made her MCU debut in the Black Panther sequel. It's currently unknown whether or not young T'Challa will be featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after his appearance in Wakanda Forever. It's also unclear if Konadu-Sun would be the one portraying him should he return.

When Did T'Challa & Nakia Have A Son In The MCU?

T'Challa and Nakia look at each other in Black Panther

The mid-credits scene establishes that Toussaint was born either shortly before or shortly after Thanos' attack on Earth in Avengers: Infinity War, which potentially establishes his birth year as 2018. The film is set approximately two years after Black Panther, which means that it would be some time before Nakia became pregnant following the events of T'Challa's first standalone feature. As for Toussaint's age, Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore stated (via CinemaBlend) that Wakanda Forever "potentially" takes place concurrently with Thor: Love and Thunder. Though Love and Thunder's MCU placement is complicated, it seems to be set around 2025, which makes Toussaint/T'Challa approximately six years old.

Does T'Challa's Son Become King of Wakanda?

Winston Duke pointing his finger as M'Baku in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

In revealing his Wakandan name to his aunt Shuri, Toussaint stated he was, "Prince T'Challa, son of King T'Challa." Therefore, though T'Challa and Nakia wanted to keep their son away from the burden of the Wakandan throne, it's clear they still taught him about his royal background. The boy is too young to take on the responsibilities of a king, but given how enthusiastic he appeared about his father being "King T'Challa," he could theoretically be willing to become king at some point. The question is if he actually could. At the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri left the throne to M'Baku (Winston Duke).

Assuming Shuri never reclaims the throne and that M'Baku has children, his lineage could become the new status quo for Wakanda. Having said that, M'Baku cares deeply about T'Challa and his family, and he served as a mentor to Shuri throughout Black Panther 2. As such, it's not unreasonable to assume M'Baku would be willing to give up the throne if T'Challa's son ever revealed himself to Wakanda and became willing to be the nation's sovereign. Still, given his young age, it will be a long time—both in universe and in the real world—before Toussaint can become king.

Does T'Challa's Son Become Black Panther?

Black Panther Wakanda Forever Mask Poster MCU Green

Toussaint showed awareness of his royal lineage, but he didn't mention anything about the Black Panther title, now carried by Shuri. Because of that, it's difficult to assess if the boy would be willing to take up his father and aunt's mantle. Assuming he would, him eventually becoming the new protector of Wakanda is now feasible. Shuri was successful in creating a new Heart-Shaped Herb, which means that new Black Panthers are, once again, possible. Considering her familial connection to Toussaint, it would make sense for Shuri to teach him the ropes of being a Black Panther in the case of the boy showing interest in the role.

With that said, just as with his potential king role in the future, T'Challa's son is only a little boy, so the prospect of him becoming a hero is far off. Furthermore, Toussaint's role in Black Panther 2 seemed to be intended to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman, as opposed to teasing bigger things to come, which makes an eventual future for him in the MCU somewhat hard to decipher. For now, the new Black Panther is Shuri. A message at the end of the credits revealed that Black Panther would return, which hints at her having a big role in the MCU following her journey in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Next: Will There Be A Black Panther 3? Everything We Know