Marvel’s Black Panther became a huge blockbuster success, kickstarting an entire movement celebrating the richness of both the African culture and the Marvel character’s mythology. While there are already plans for the studio to proceed with a sequel, T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) uncertain fate following Avengers: Infinity War can possibly give way for a new person to take up the mantle.
In an interview with Screen Rant for Black Panther‘s Blu-ray and DVD release, producer Nate Moore discussed whether or not Boseman will be the only actor to play the protector of Wakanda.
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“One thing I like to tell Ryan is, the Black Panther is a mantle as much as it is a person, so we’re not restricted by anything, because the truth is, there’s a lot of different ways to go back to Wakanda and have a good time and continue to explore the themes that made the first film so resonant,” Moore said.
Black Panther introduces several characters within the world of Wakanda that could theoretically suit up as the warrior king. First, there’s T’Challa’s technologically brilliant sister, Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright), who has donned the Black Panther persona during writer Reginald Hudlin’s comic book run on the 2009 Marvel series. It would be fitting for T’Challa’s sibling to take the reign of the Black Panther in his absence.
While he is more of an enemy of T’Challa’s in the comics, M’Baku (Winston Duke) could be a great candidate as the Black Panther, considering he was approached to be the new king after the apparent death of T’Challa in the 2018 film. M’Baku’s strength and leadership would be of great use to Wakanda if it is in need of another to take the mantle. There are also characters such as Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) who, if she marries T’Challa, could potentially take up the role of Black Panther, and Okoye (Danai Gurira), the fierce general that would die for Wakanda and protects their people to any extent.
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Considering director Ryan Coogler said he had an interest in making a film focusing on the women of Wakanda, a female Black Panther isn’t a far-fetched concept. As long as the character has the powers of the iconic warrior and loyalty to their country, any Black Panther on the big screen will be one to cheer for in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Black Panther is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and digital HD.