The latest trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever revealed an exciting new look at what's to come this November, but upon closer inspection, there are some specific moments that demand our attention. War is coming to Wakanda, and all signs point to there potentially being some big casualties.
Throw in some big new names and what looks to be a very unexpected take on those characters, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is shaping up to be a real return to form for Marvel Studios. It's been a hit-and-miss 12 months for them in theaters, but Ryan Coogler and this team look set to deliver a fitting and heart-wrenching tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman.
In this feature, we take a closer look at key scenes in the trailer to bring you an in-depth look at what to expect from one of the most highly anticipated sequels of all time. We may, however, be getting into some spoiler territory here.
Take a look through this feature by clicking on the NEXT button below!
5. Queen Ramonda's Death?
The MCU's Namor has been billed as an anti-hero, but he looks every bit the antagonist in this trailer. Bringing war to Wakanda, it appears he ravages T'Challa's home, flooding the palace after taking aim at Queen Ramonda. In this shot, she stands in front of Riri Williams - who it's thought is Namor's main target - as he prepares to smash through the window using a spear.
We have a sinking feeling (no pun intended) that Ramonda gives her life to save Riri, inspiring the young woman to become a hero, in the process. Shuri losing her brother and mother is going to no doubt play a big role in shaping her journey, though how Namor can ever be redeemed after this is beyond us. Perhaps if someone else is pulling his strings from the shadows?
4. K'uk'ulkan, The Feather Serpent God
It's been confirmed that the MCU's Namor is a mutant, but ties to South American mythology promise to deliver a vastly different take on the character and Atlantis. That was inevitable as Marvel Studios looks to distance the Sub Mariner from Aquaman, though we probably shouldn't be surprised that filmmaker Ryan Coogler would look to honour another culture here.
Kukulkan is the name of a Mesoamerican serpent deity that was worshipped by the Yucatec Maya people of the Yucatán Peninsula before the Spanish Conquest of the Yucatán. There are lots of tales about the creature, though it appears Namor's winged feet have led to his people linking him to this ancient being. Could it have ties to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' dragons, we wonder?
3. Funeral For A King
As suspected, this is T'Challa's funeral, and we've no doubt this will be one of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's most emotional scenes. It's a visual delight, with even the usually very colorful Marvel Studios logo changed to reflect the fallen hero's helmet. That's being carried through this procession, though there's no indication of what has led to Black Panther's death.
Namor's voiceover sees him say that only the most broken people can be leaders, with the camera lingering on Shuri's face. Between that and the fact she's shown carrying her brother's Black Panther helmet, we have to assume the anti-hero is referring to her as she looks to step up to the plate. Of course, this could also refer to poor Queen Ramonda following her many losses.
2. Ironheart
Despite rumors that Riri Williams is somehow mistakenly blamed for the conflict that arises between Wakanda and the MCU's reimagined Atlantis, this latest trailer does little to explain what role the teenager will play in the Black Panther sequel. She's clearly an ally, however, as Riri can be seen jetting into action wearing the bulky Ironheart armor we've seen in promo art for the film.
A later shot shows her having a great time piloting a far more advanced suit, instantly bringing back memories of Tony Stark's earliest adventures in the MCU. We even get that same view from inside her helmet, and all signs point to Marvel Studios establishing her as the new "Iron Man" in this sequel before her story continues in the character's upcoming Disney+ TV series.
1. The New Black Panther
The new trailer ends by finally revealing a first look at the MCU's new Black Panther. She's been spotted in a LEGO set, of course, and yes...we did just write she! This is definitely Shuri, with the markings on her mask a dead giveaway (they closely resemble the tribal makeup the hero has previously donned on her face). Also, looking at the Panther's build, it's quite obviously a woman.
When she lands from that great height, we see the suit absorb some of the impact. However, that would still be one heck of a drop to take, leading us to believe that Shuri has found a way to replicate the abilities granted by ingesting Wakanda's Heart-Shaped Herb. If so, does that mean we'll get multiple Black Panthers? Rumors swirl that someone else will hold the mantle by the film's end...