Black Panther: Wakanda Forever surpasses a significant milestone for female-led superhero films, breaking yet another record for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which made its theatrical debut this past November and was directed by Ryan Coogler, starts with King T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) death, & his sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) spends the whole movie attempting to cope with her grief. Shuri is compelled to assume the role of the Black Panther, honor her mother and brother, and defend the country of Wakanda from both the looming threat of Talokan as well as the dangers of the outside world as the antagonist Namor (Tenoch Huerta) rises from the deep to declare war on Wakanda.
T’Challa’s legacy was complicated by Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but Shuri’s and the MCU’s were both solidified. The highest-grossing domestic female-led superhero film is now Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, surpassing both Captain Marvel & Wonder Woman, according to Box Office Mojo. The $431.5 million domestic gross of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is more than enough to surpass Captain Marvel’s $426.8 million, Wonder Woman’s $412.8 million, and Black Widow’s $183.65 million gross, which was affected by the coronavirus.
Why Is Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Such A Hit?
Wakanda Forever has achieved incredible success in part because of the representation it offers, much like Black Panther did before it. However, while Wakanda Forever expanded the film’s diversity and now features the significant indigenous representation of Namor and Talokan, as well as increasing the impact of the women in the project, Black Panther gave the Black community visibility. Black women play a significant role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in a way that is uncommon in Hollywood, and it affects the film’s box office performance.
A success, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever also has a compelling story and deft characterization. Even without considering Boseman’s tragic and untimely passing, the cast and crew expertly crafted the movie’s plot as demonstrated by Shuri’s character arc. Wakanda Forever is clearly a love letter to Boseman, much like Black Panther is a love letter to the Black community. By giving Namor his own story arc and the chance to survive to make another appearance that can capitalize on his charisma and sympathetic motivations, the movie also maintains a comfortable pace while ignoring typical MCU villain problems.
What’s Coming Up for Shuri?
Nobody can say for sure where Shuri will show up after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. However, just like T’Challa, she will need to participate in major Marvel events as the recognized protector of Wakanda. Every hero in the Marvel universe will likely be required with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon with the Multiverse Saga in full swing leading into Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Given that Ironheart debuted in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and that Shuri still controls the Ironheart suit, Shuri will also have the chance to appear in the upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart. In any case, Shuri will return after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and will continue to play a significant role.
Source: Box Office Mojo