Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Recap
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, we are set to follow what happened to the country after the events of Infinity War, Endgame, and the death of their leader, T’Challa. Still mourning their king, the technologically advanced nation finds itself increasingly isolated as foreign governments begin pursuing its most valuable resource — vibranium. With Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda assuming leadership, Wakanda must defend its sovereignty against international interference while navigating a world that has become increasingly interested in its technological capabilities.
Review
The discovery of another vibranium deposit introduces an entirely new threat. When scientist Riri Williams develops a device capable of detecting the metal, her invention attracts the attention of Namor, ruler of underwater civilization Talokan. The hidden civilization had remained hidden from the outside world for centuries, protecting its people from the consequences of foreign interference. Fearing that the discovery of vibranium could expose his people to international threats, Namor approaches Wakanda with a proposal for an alliance. However, when Queen Ramonda refuses to cooperate, the disagreement quickly escalates into a conflict between the two nations. Namor’s introduction is important to the future of the MCU as the character is set to return for Avengers: Doomsday, fighting besides Wakandans.
MCU: The Road To Doomsday:
- The AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY Trailer is Out, and It’s Everything We Could Hope For!
- Avengers: Doomsday Trailer, X-Men Cast Announcement, VisionQuest Trailer and more! — Everything that happened for Marvel during D23
- The Road to Doomsday Part 1 — X-Men (2000)
- The Road to Doomsday Part 2 — X2 (2003)
- The Road to Doomsday Part 3 — Avengers (2012)
- The Road to Doomsday Part 4 — Avengers (2012)
- The Road to Doomsday Part 6 — Avengers: Endgame Encore (2019, 2026)
- The Road to Doomsday Part 7 — Loki (2021, 2023)
- The Road to Doomsday Part 8 — Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
- The Road to Doomsday Part 9 — Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- The Road to Doomsday Part 10 — Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2021)
Beyond introducing another powerful civilization, the film establishes an interesting parallel between Wakanda and Talokan. Both nations have built their identities around protecting their people from the outside world, yet their approaches to doing so are fundamentally different. Their confrontation ultimately demonstrates how two civilizations with similar interests can become enemies when their visions for the future do not align.
Meanwhile, Shuri finds herself increasingly consumed by her scientific work after the loss of her brother. Following the death of Queen Ramonda at the hands of Namor, Shuri assumes the mantle of the Black Panther in what is the film’s highest moment. During her encounter with Killmonger in the Ancestral Plane, Shuri is forced to confront the anger and desire for vengeance that have been driving her decisions. Her choice to spare Namor, rather than seek revenge, represents an important turning point in her journey. Instead of continuing the conflict between their civilizations, Shuri establishes a fragile but significant alliance with Talokan, potentially changing the relationship between the two nations moving forward. That is confirmed by their relationship depicted in Avengers: Doomsday promotional material.
The film concludes with Wakanda entering another period of transition. Although Shuri has inherited the Black Panther mantle, she declines the throne, leaving M’Baku to assume the position of king. Additionally, the mid-credits scene introduces Toussaint, revealing that T’Challa left behind a son with Nakia. That is what will be explored in Black Panther 3, set to be released in 2028, with David Jonsson portraying Toussaint.
Final Thoughts
As we move toward Avengers: Doomsday, Wakanda Forever establishes the future of Wakanda following T’Challa’s death, introduces Talokan as another powerful civilization, and leaves the relationship between the two nations open to further developments. With Shuri now carrying the Black Panther mantle, Wakanda’s role in the next major Avengers conflict could be particularly significant.
The Road to Doomsday Part 11 — Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Acting - 9/109/10
- Music - 7/107/10
- Production - 8/108/10
