Summary
Almost every character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been rumored to appear inAvengers: Doomsday, which is one reason why there is so much excitement surrounding the movie. The latest has focused on a character from theBlack Pantherfranchise, proving that Wakanda could end up having an impact onAvengers: Doomsdayafter all.
This comes after significant rumors about the future of theBlack Panthermovies and whether or not Marvel Studios was going to recast T’Challa. However, the latestAvengers: Doomsdayrumor has put another dampener on that potential idea.
Shuri Is Set To Be In Avengers: Doomsday
Shuri is the latest name that has beenrumored to appear inAvengers: Doomsday, which would be a huge moment for her character at this stage. Coming off the back ofBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri’s importance in the MCU has risen to the point where she’s now seen as a genuine hero and a leader of that franchise, rather than being around as a sidekick as she had previously been positioned. If she ends up being involved inAvengers: Doomsday, that would only strengthen that idea, showcasing that Marvel Studios has big plans for her character.
Shuri’s inclusion inAvengers: Doomsdaywould be a refreshing decision due to her personality and position of power. While she’s a young character with tons of energy, sass, and charisma, Shuri also has all of Wakanda behind her, which makes her one of the most powerful characters within the MCU at this point.Captain America is creating a new Avengers lineupfor this film, and if Shuri manages to make the cut, it would be a statement of intent.
Is Marvel Considering Recasting T’Challa
The idea of recasting T’Challaseemed impossible given the circumstances surrounding Chadwick Boseman; however, that has been reported recently. It would make little sense and would potentially damage the legacy that Boseman left behind in the MCU and the beautifully emotional film that Marvel created inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever. However, if he was going to be recast, thenAvengers: Doomsdayis likely the film it will happen in.
Having a T’Challa from a different timeline turn up would be a major shock to fans, andMichael B. Jordan could be a great personto do that. However, this decision is guaranteed to divide fans due to how beloved Boseman’s character is and the impact he left on the MCU generally. There currently isn’t a need for T’Challa to be recast, and Shuri’s rise in prominence is only proving that.
Shuri’s Growing Importance Makes T’Challa Recast Pointless
Shuri stepped into Black Panther’s shoes in T’Challa’s absence inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, and that proved to be a popular choice.The film grossed an incredible $859.2 million worldwide, and the fact that audiences were desperate to see the movie without Boseman being involved proved that Shuri, as a character, is capable of carrying a franchise and having a grander role in the MCU generally. There was an emotional connection to everything that she did because of T’Challa, and that made all of her decisions have more meaning. Meanwhile, when it came to the fight scenes, everyone was able to accept her in that role due to the power of the suit alongside her intelligence in creating weapons that were able to benefit her against any threat. That’s why she could easily end up being a future Avenger and mix it up with some of Marvel’s mightiest heroes. Plus, she could fill the gap that Tony Stark has left when it comes to the experimental and intelligence side of the group to help the others with ideas that they may not be smart enough to think of.
If Shuri ends up being an Avenger moving forward, then there is absolutely no need for T’Challa to be recast. Shuri will have proven her ability to not only lead theBlack Pantherfranchise moving forward but also to be heavily involved in the MCU in bigger moments. If Shuri is going to be a key figure in the Avengers, then addinga new version of T’Challawould seem pointless. Not only would it risk upsetting a lot of fans who don’t want to see the character return after Boseman’s passing, but it wouldn’t serve much purpose to the story other than grabbing people’s attention as a talking point. Now is the time to move forward with the world of Wakanda, and Shuri is the person to do it. She can inject a level of youth that would help the MCU in the long term, as she’s someone who Marvel can plan around. Having her feature inAvengers: Doomsdaywould push her to the next level as a character and ensure that everyone considers her to be one of the biggest stars in the franchise.
