Top 5 Reasons Shuri Should Be the New Black Panther
The Passing of a Legend
First and foremost, the passing of Chadwick Boseman left more than a hole in the MCU. It left a hole in our hearts. Some people just have an easier way about them. They make us feel happy just seeing them. Chadwick Boseman was one of those people. In a perfect world, we would never have to consider replacing the Black Panther. So, in an effort to get us all closer to that perfect world, here at Reel Theories, we aren’t replacing him. It’s far too easy to keep the legacy of T’Challa intact. We want a story that keeps Boseman as the King we all believed in.
The Contenders
As fast as the tragic news hit the media outlets, the fans were there to do two things. First, to express heartfelt and overwhelming sadness and loss. Second, to start theorizing over the fate of the next installment in the Black Panther franchise. Some fans have considered going the same route as the MCU took with James Rhodes/War Machine. Simply find a new actor to carry the T’Challa story forward as if he’s been there all along. Other fans have called for the resurrection of Erik Killmonger. After all, it is comics. If anyone knows how to bring a character back from the great beyond, it’s the people who write comics, and by extension, comic movies. But, perhaps the most vocal group has been the fans demanding the mantle be passed to T’Challa’s sister, Shuri. This is the camp we find ourselves firmly in here at the Reel Theories worldwide HQ. So, here are our top five reasons why Shuri should be the new Black Panther.
Keep It In The Family
This is what we are calling the best option in terms of story. The death of T’Challa can be a critical plot point and used to carry the story forward. Rather than have the King of Wakanda pass from an accident or a natural disaster, his loss can be used to propel the tale in a way that capitalizes on the way we all feel here in the real world. This means his death would come as an attack not just on Wakanda, but specifically the royal family. Such a personal attack can only be avenged by family. This leaves Shuri as the best suited candidate for the task.
The Power of the Black Panther
This is a little bit of a retcon, but it’s not the worst thing we’ve ever heard of. In the first Black Panther film, Killmonger destroys the cache of the herb that grants the power of the titular hero. We’re suggesting that the people whose whole job description was “protect the herb” would’ve done just that. If the fans are willing to accept a potential story that brings Killmonger back from the dead, then bringing the herb back isn’t too far fetched. Therefore, it only stands to reason that Shuri would have access to it. Now, imagine that the Black Panther is as fast and powerful as we have already seen, but also a tech wizard. That’s right. Shuri was at the leading edge of Wakandan tech. Remember? Give her a little herb and she isn’t just the new Black Panther, she’s a new Black Panther.
An Important Step Forward
The Black Panther movie was a revelation for studios around the world. It proved that a film featuring primarily a cast of people of color could, not only succeed but, absolutely crush big numbers at the box office. Now, think about how people rallied around the scene in Infinity War that had Black Widow, Scarlet Witch, and Okoye fighting as a team. It went so well, that Marvel brought that moment back in Endgame. But, what if instead of a single moment, the whole film could be empowering for women? DC has already stepped up to that plate with their recent Harley Quinn movie. Marvel can do the same, and likely do it better. There are a lot of young girls in the people of color demographic that would love to have a little representation in the hero space. Not every girl wants to be Wonder Woman. Making Shuri the new Black Panther creates a new role model that is strong, smart, a leader, and, by the films climax, can even be shown as compassionate without compromising on what is just. All without wearing a costume that is, shall we say, unnecessarily revealing.
The Source Material
This is probably the easiest point to make. In the course of the Black Panther comics, there is already a story line where Shuri becomes the Wakandan Protector. We aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel here. Marvel themselves have already pursued this route. If they thought of it, it can’t be that bad. In the words of Stan Lee, ” ‘Nuff said.”
It’s About Time
No, really. I don’t just mean we’re due for it to happen. (But we are.) What I’m getting at is that the loudest argument against Shuri inheriting the mantle is that it’s too soon. Even in the comics, it’s not a swift transition to go from T’Challa to Shuri. It comes after years have passed. The thing is, in the MCU, years have passed. Don’t forget, the time between Thanos’ snap and the triumphant return of our fallen heroes is five years. I simply refuse to believe that the nation of Wakanda went without its sacred protector for five years. It stands to reason that in that time, Shuri has already moved into the role of the Black Panther. Entering the climactic final battle in Endgame, when T’Challa emerges from the portal onto the battlefield, he’s naturally joined by his faithful guard, as well as his sister Shuri. She doesn’t show up as tech support. She comes in as a full fledged combatant. This is a sign that she now has quite some amount of fighting under her belt.
Conclusion
There you have it. That’s the Reel Theories take on why Shuri should be already is the Black Panther. Do you agree with our concept? Yes? No? Maybe so? Leave your take in the comments below. And, be sure to check out these awesome affiliate links to some great Black Panther and Marvel items we found just for you over on Amazon. Follow Reel Theories on Facebook and Twitter to see new theories as soon as possible!
