Does the post-credits scene matter? Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in the mainline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? So far, Ryan Coogler has insisted that this is just an emotional and symbolic send-off to T’Challa, played by the late Chadwick Boseman. But the character that the extra sequence introduced doesn’t feel completely random, especially when he could be the answer to the dilemma Marvel has posed. How to re-introduce the character of T’Challa into the history of Wakanda?
Warning: spoilers ahead
The final revelation of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever surprised and moved the fans. Not only because it’s the emotional end to much of the script’s message. It also evokes a deep sense of transcendence that closes off the main lines of the story. T’Challa’s son, who also shares the same name, ensures the character stays in the Marvel Cinematic Universe one way or another. In addition to Kevin Feige’s promise not to give the character a new face still stands.
But more importantly, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever joins the fourth phase of the trend of introducing new takes on its main superheroes. From Black Widow’s heiress Elena, to Kate Bishop, the baby Loki introduced in the series of the same name, to Skaar, the Hulk’s newly discovered son. A whole new generation of heroes, more or less connected to the most important characters in the franchise, are already part of the movie saga.
So the question inevitably arises as to whether the very young T’Challa is the newest addition to a future superhero team in the ranks. What can prevent this? After all, this would not only be a legacy of significant emotional interest, but also the beginning of a hero’s unique journey that depends on his context.
The succession dilemma Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
With the death of Chadwick Boseman, Kevin Feige ruled out any possibility of a new actor playing the character. A real gesture of respect not only for the deceased figure, but also for his legacy. But the fact that T’Challa fathered an heir balances and punctually maintains the special context of Wakanda.
Unlike other superheroes, Black Panther’s costume is historical heritage. It is also an inheritance that is passed down in a straight line between members of the same family. This is an important requirement for maintaining the idea of a lasting legacy in a fictional country. Now, for now, Shuri assumed the responsibility of queen and protector under dynastic right..
But the son of Nakia and T’Challa could allow the character to return to the Marvel cinematic world a few years later without breaking tradition. In other words, the king would take his place without detracting from Boseman’s legacy and as an interesting addition to the youth superhero team.
More importantly, the one in power, in all likelihood, had to decide if he wanted to be part of the family legacy as a defender of the country. While the boy is brought up secretly, without giving him the slightest hint of his origin. But in a few years, young T’Challa will be able to claim his inheritance and become a symbol of continuity for Wakanda. Even though Shuri is the acting queen, M’Baku rules in her absence. Which doesn’t seem to fit in with the line of new faces in the saga. So it’s likely that if all Marvel characters have an immediate replacement, Black Panther will undoubtedly be the new queen’s nephew.
There are no indications. From Shuri’s insistence that she’s not sure of her place in history, to artificially recreating grass in the shape of a heart. AT Black Panther: Wakanda Forever it seems that everything is ready for the new generation to finally climb the throne. Which would also be a tribute to Ramonda, who knew of her grandson’s existence before her death.
Does T’Challa have a son in the comics?
In the paper version King T’Challa has a sonalthough not in the main line of his story in the comics, but rather in an alternate universe. And, unlike his version in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, also does not share a name with his father. Azari was born on Earth-10943, known as The Next Avengers (2010) timeline.
In this line of events, Azari is the son of T’Challa and his wife, Ororo/Storm. The little king outlives his parents when Ultron, who rules this universe, kills all the heroes. In fact, the prince is teaming up the children of dead superheroes to fight the main villain.
However, all events are connected with the existence of mutants. So we’ll have to wait a while until a significant portion of the characters are integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Which would give T’Challa enough time to grow up and mature enough to follow in his father’s footsteps.
