Ever since Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was announced, fans have been wondering who would take T’Challa’s place as the new Black Panther. The trailers do not reveal the identity of the character. We do not even have a front profile shot of the new Black Panther. From the trailer, we can deduce that the new superhero taking the mantle of Black Panther is a female. The problem is, there are a lot of female characters in Wakanda who are more than capable of playing Black Panther. We have T’Challa’s sister Shuri, the elite warrior Okoye and it could even be Riri Williams who is also Iron Heart. Well, Funko Pop may have unwittingly revealed the identity of the new Black Panther. Pop N Funko Pops, a retailer located in Anaheim California posted a photo of the new Black Panther figure which was immediately spotted by Marvel fans. The image has been tweeted by several Marvel News Twitter accounts.
(via IG/pop_and_pops) pic.twitter.com/klHoY4MZjj — Marvel News (@BRMarvelNews) September 26, 2022 While the Black Panther suit has already been seen in the trailer, this is the first time we will be seeing the headpiece. Viewing the entire costume, fans have been able to identify who plays the superhero from the gold trim and distinct face paint. Fans have noted that the gold trims are reminiscent of one design that was presented to T’Challa when he was selecting a costume. He remarked to Shuri, who designed the costume, that it was too flashy for his taste. The second clue, which is the distinct face paint, is what gives away the identity of the new Black Panther. Shuri wore a similar facepaint during the epic fight sequence in the first film. Fans are convinced that the new Black Panther is Letitia Wright’s Shuri. Fans have also noted that there is a scene in the trailer where Shuri is standing on a platform surrounded by water and flames as a sign that she is the new Black Panther. There is speculation that she has found a way to recreate the heart-shaped herb that gives the Black Panther superpowers. There are however questions about Shuri’s ascension as Black Panther as the King of Wakanda traditionally takes on that role. There is speculation that she will only be taking on the role until T’Challa’s rumored son comes of age. The childbirth scene is part of the Black Panther 2 trailer We will all know who the new Black Panther is when Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in theaters on November 11, 2022.
