Summary
Letitia Wright has opened up about her potential future as theBlack Pantherin theMCU. Wright’s Shuri became the titular superhero inBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverfollowing T’Challa’s death, which was written in response to the tragic passing of originalBlack Pantheractor Chadwick Boseman.Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverwas an emotional story for Shuri, the citizens of Wakanda, and MCU audiences, who enjoyed the movie to the tune of almost $860 million at the global box office. Despite this success, however,Marvel Studios hasn’t yet confirmedBlack Panther 3.
While Marvel Studios and director Ryan Coogler remain mum about a potential sequel toBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, lead actor Letitia Wright may have just teased her return to the MCU. Speaking onThe View(viaVariety), Wright noted that she would"love to continue with Shuri,“considering her MCU hero"such a blessing.“When pressed about her potential future in the franchise, Wright suggested, somewhat cryptically, that there’s"a lot coming up.“This suggests Letita Wright’s return asShuri’s Black Panthermay already be in the works.
Let’s just say … I would like to continue with Shuri. She’s one of my favorite characters. Such a blessing, honestly. I kid you not, I’m so grateful for her… There’s a lot to, a lot to — a lot coming up.
What Black Panther’s MCU Future Currently Looks Like
As one of the MCU’s cornerstone heroes, and the gateway to exploring the vibrant world of Wakanda, there’s no doubt the Black Panther will be returning, depsite there being no confirmation from Marvel Studios. Theupcoming animatedEyes of Wakandaserieswill put historic Wakandan warriors front-and-center, though it’s unclear whether a version of the Black Panther will appear. It would be great to see previous iterations of the Black Panther debut in the MCU, however, similarly to how T’Chaka’s Black Panther was given a larger role inWhat If…?season 2.
During a conversation withVarietyin January 2023,Letitia Wright suggested thatBlack Panther 3was"already in the works.“There’s been no word on this matter since then, but this could mean that an announcement regardingBlack Panther 3may be imminent, putting Shuri’s Black Panther in the spotlight yet again. AnotherBlack Panthersequel from Ryan Coogler could also expand Namor’s world of Talokan, and develop loose threads involving M’Baku, Okoye, and Nakia, who introduced her andT’Challa’s secret son inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever.
I think it’s already in the works. You know, we just had a terrific two years of bringing [Black Panther: Wakanda Forever] out and everybody coming together to support it. We need a little bit of a break, we need to regroup and [director] Ryan [Coogler] needs to get back into the lab, so it’s going to take a little while, but we’re really excited for you guys to see that. I always try to do positive words and positive thinking, and I believe that good words manifest, so I’m manifesting a ‘Black Panther 3,’ why not?
It’s unclear whetherBlack Panther 3would release before or after Phase 6’sAvengers 5andAvengers: Secret Wars. Whatever the case, it’s very likely that Shuri’s Black Panther will be featured among theMCU’s new Avengers team, and will have a part to play in the upcoming crossover movies. There has been speculation that Shuri could appear inCaptain America: Brave New World, with Sam Wilson perhaps forming his Avengers team very soon. TheBlack Pantheris one of Marvel’s most significant heroes, so Letitia Wright will surely return before too long.
