Warning: This article contains spoilers for Black Panther:  Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduced a new titular hero in the movie. After T’Challa’s death it is Shuri who becomes the next Black Panther. But in the months leading up to the movie, social media was rife with speculation and debates about who should be the next Panther. And it looks like the same kind of debates were going on in Marvel Studios as well.

Two Other Black Panther Characters Were Considered For The Hero Role

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Black Panther 2 co-screenwriter Joe Robert Cole talked about two others characters who were considered for taking up the Black Panther mantle. He said:

“We would kick around the ideas, and try to extrapolate where the story goes and what’s the most impactful choice — what’s the best journey? And where do you go after the film in terms of those characters. M’Baku certainly was someone that got kicked around a little bit.”

When Rolling Stone mentioned Nakia, Cole said that she was thought about for the role too.

“Rolling Stone: “Nakia [Lupita Nyong’o] could’ve been great, too.”

Cole: “That got kicked around! Her name got kicked around for sure.”

It makes sense why these two characters were thought of for the role of Black Panther. After all, M’Baku is one of the strongest warriors and a leader already. His strength would be untouchable if he took the Heart-shaped Herb. But even though he’s not the next Black Panther, he’s now the new King of Wakanda.

Nakia too makes an interesting choice because she’s T’Challa’s partner and the mother of his son. She’s a warrior and great at stealth missions as well. But somehow she doesn’t seem like the natural or organic choice.

Why Shuri Was Ultimately Chosen To Carry On The Title

Shuri becoming the next Black Panther felt like a natural passing on of the mantle. After all she’s a genius and next in line for the throne. And Marvel Studios executive Nate Moore felt the same. So much so that other options weren’t seriously considered. In an interview with Marvel, he said:

“[Shuri] just felt like the most organic storytelling choice. We had a performer that we knew could carry that if she agreed to do it. We didn’t really explore other options that thoroughly because this just felt like the right thing to do.”

Director Ryan Coogler backed him up and said:

“When you talk about T’Challa passing, who would be the most affected by that? It became clear that Shuri should be the nexus of our movie.”

Moore also praised Letitia Wright and said that the actor understood the enormity of the role. He said:

“She understood A, what it means to people generally, and B, I think what this franchise meant to Chadwick, as an artist, and as a performer… While I’m not sure that she ever envisioned herself donning the mantle and carrying this film, she was 100% game. I think that’s a credit to her and to her spirit.”

Stay tuned for more updates.