The only scene after the credits Black Panther: Wakanda Forever reveals the way in which, finally, Marvel is firing its character T’Challa. But also how his memory and permanence are celebrated in the cinematic universe of the saga. It’s a celebration far removed from the film’s dark and morbid tone. At the same time, it offers a sense of farewell to the character, but not to his importance in the franchise.
Warning: spoilers ahead
With all your kind of tribute on a grand scale, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever it’s not only a fitting end to Marvel’s Phase 4. It is also a journey through new scenarios and, especially, through the importance of blood ties and beliefs that unite his characters. In fact, despite its military and technological deployment, the movie is much more intimate than the big show. Ryan Coogler, who has admitted more than once that the production was a sweet tribute to Chadwick Boseman, does it on a sensitive and surprising scale.
Perhaps for this reason, his post-credits scene has special significance. Especially one time Black Panther: Wakanda Forever He went through every possible stage to give a deep beautiful farewell speech to his hero. This unusual adventure – the origin story of a powerful figure born in the absence of his predecessor – also has a very interesting bonus sequence. One that forgoes the space of Marvel’s tradition of presenting characters or future stories. This time around, it’s about coming to terms with the loss and taking a firm look at the transcendence of its protagonist.
Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverfarewell and a form of hope
after seeing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, a film of extraordinary emotional content, it’s no surprise that the post-credits scene begins after the redemption of Shuri (Letitia Wright). Fighting for their country and taking on the historical duty of the Black Panther. In addition, he realized that revenge is not a legacy that he wants to honor with his decisions. It was then that he would be able to ignite T’Challa’s memory. Do this, moreover, in private and realizing that the death of a brother, although an immense tragedy, is also a part of his life.
To do this, he travels to Haiti, where Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) is working on one of Wakanda’s development projects. In fact, the character remained on the island for most of the story. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Which seemed to have no explanation until the bonus sequence. After performing the mourning ritual of her culture, Shuri remains standing facing the sea. He was finally able to come to terms with his brother’s death and move on. At this moment, Nakia approaches. He does not come alone accompanied by a small child of about five years old. To Shuri’s surprise, this is T’Challa’s son, conceived before Thanos’ Snap and secretly living with his mother in a Caribbean country.
This is a deeply experienced moment, which is also supported by the perception of transcendental revelation. Once again director Ryan Coogle is typing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever feeling of a meeting ritual. Unlike many other post-credits scenes in the franchise, this is not a reveal meant to reveal a new Black Panther story. This is an exploration of how the Wakanda royal family feel about love and shared heritage.
Especially for Shuri, who has lost her entire family and must now face the weight of power and duty alone. “We agreed to raise him above the pressure of the throne,” Nakia explains why she chose to keep the secret. But, in particular, it becomes clear that this is not about the introduction of a new character, but rather about the emotional closure of the sub-franchise.
Legacy beyond time
For the new heroine, this is also a look into the future. Like the rest of the movie, the post-credits scene Black Panther: Wakanda Forever an elegant reflection on grief and the severity of mourning. But, unlike his very difficult first minutes, the tone in his post-credits scene is hope. Thus, this is not just information, but the closing of a cycle that began with the traumatic announcement of the king’s death.
Particularly when Nakia reveals that the little boy’s name is T’Challa. In this way, Marvel manages to give new life to the hero– in the most symbolic sense – and ensure that his place in the history of the saga remains irreplaceable. However, it is in no way hinted that the boy will become the king of Wakanda, or, even more so, the heir to the suit. For Coogler, this is a farewell to the figure that inspired Marvel to create a universe of special significance. A fact that honors influence Black Panther like history.
