Strong reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend: “Black Panther 2” is doing so well that the announcement of “Black Panther 3” seems only a matter of time. But when and how does a possible sequel continue?
“Black Panther Will Return”: Like almost all MCU films in recent years, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” ends with a clear hint that this will not be the last film appearance of the Black Panther(s). And unlike “Eternals”, for example, the reactions of fans and the trade press as well as the box office takings (332 million dollars so far) are right. To cut a long story short: “Black Panther 3” has not yet been announced, but that should only be a formality. But what will happen next?
Of course, there is no official information on that yet either. However, “Wakanda Forever” – like most MCU films and series from the current Phase 4 – is a film that stands pretty much on its own. So most of the developments in “Black Panther 2” are likely to be in preparation for a sequel rather than the upcoming “Avengers 5” and “Avengers 6. “
However, this does not include the plotline involving Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who are likely already being lined up for “Captain America 4” and “Thunderbolts”, and of course Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), who will soon be getting her own series “Ironheart”.
TOUSSAINT AKA PRINCE T’CHALLA
In our opinion, there are three elements and developments in “Wakanda Forever” in particular that should be important for “Black Panther 3”. The clearest and possibly most important: The late king and Black Panther T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) has a son – Toussaint aka Prince T’Challa (Divine Love Konadu-Sun).
For him to play a really important role in the MCU, he will of course have to get much older, but “Avengers: Endgame” has already proven how quickly a few years can pass in the Marvel universe – not to mention any multiverse shenanigans that could be in store for us in the coming years.
M’BAKU AS THE NEW BLACK PANTHER?
At the end of “Black Panther 2”, it’s a little less clear who actually wears the crown of Wakanda and serves as Black Panther along with it. After the death of T’Challa and Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), the throne remains unoccupied until Shuri (Letitia Wright) becomes the Black Panther.
At the end of the film, however, she does not appear at the ceremony known from the first “Black Panther”. And M’Baku (Winston Duke), with whom she had previously discussed the question of the future of Wakanda, is allowed to apply as the new king – and new Black Panther? – apply.
It is at least suggested that this is with Shuri’s consent, as she herself is dealing with her grief work for the time being. She may have realised that she is not fit to be queen as long as she has not processed and understood her desire for revenge fuelled by Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).
A “Black Panther 3” would then probably have a new main character in M’Baku. The reports from the filming environment, according to which Shuri actress Letitia Wright and Disney clashed over her refusal to vaccinate, will also have played a role here. This is probably one of the reasons why it is left open whether Shuri will return to the superheroine life or turn her back on it for good.
