The mystery surrounding Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s new titular hero is finally answered in the movie’s official trailer. Many speculations have been made prior to the release of the promo, guessing who will take up the mantle of Black Panther now that its original actor, Chadwick Boseman, has passed away.
Of all theories, there can be only one clear hint as to who will take over – and it is a woman. Many believed T’Challa’s sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright) is the rightful successor to the title. Others also suggested it could be Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) or Okoye (Danai Gurira). All of them have what it takes to embody the symbolic panther costume, but only one will get to wear it.
Who Is Playing Namor And What Is His Ethnicity?
Namor (Tenoch Huerta) is the main antagonist in the sequel film, and it is clear that he brings chaos and war into Wakanda’s peaceful realm. His and Black Panther’s rivalry has been a long-time beloved Marvel story that fans will witness in just a week. Even though it will be in a different shape, it will still be as compelling and relevant as the comic book story.
Director Ryan Coogler explained to Entertainment Weekly that his version of Namor is unique to Wakanda Forever. The villain’s origin is from Talocan, a location inspired by the Mayan culture.
In the comics, Namor is a mutant-hybrid son of a mortal father and an Atlantean princess. Tenoch Huerta, the actor behind the character, is of Aztec and Purépecha descent. Winston Duke, who plays M’Baku, said in his interview with LA Times that Namor is not just “another Aquaman” and he added:
“In our version, it feels a lot more real than fiction. In the MCU fashion, we’ve grounded it in real cultural significance and cultural traditions. You see the Latinx contingent that is present visually. Ryan Coogler’s creation within the Marvel cinematic landscape is one of deep honor and connection to real stuff.”
In the long run, the story of Namor and Black Panther, as a mutant and an Avenger, introduces a bigger and more complicated universe that Marvel is yet to explore in the future.
New MCU Characters in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Aside from Namor, Wakanda Forever will also feature new characters that fans will soon meet. Michaela Coel and Dominique Thorne will join the cast as Aneka and Riri Williams, respectively.
Aneka is the first queer character in the movie who we know has a romantic relationship with a fellow Dora Milaje. Williams, on the other hand, is not of Wakandan origin but a teenager with a genius-level IQ mentored by Tony Stark. She goes by the moniker Ironheart.
There will still be lots of mysteries to uncover that will only be answered once the film hits the big screens. All we know is that the cast did their best to pay honor to Boseman’s legacy through the sequel.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to hit theaters this November 11, 2022.
