Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.The latest film in theMarvel Cinematic Universe, writer-directorRyan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is now here for all to see. Continuing on the story that began in Black Panther, it brings us deeper into worlds old and new that have been reshaped by loss as well as the arrival of a fresh face that moviegoers haven’t yet gotten the chance to know before. If you find yourself in this article, best be prepared that this is a guide for all the spoiler coverage of the film you could ever want. If you have not yet seen the film, then it's best to turn back now or prepare for us to hold your hand through basically everything that happens.
Does ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Have a Post-Credits Scene?
After a nearly three-hour film, how long should you stick around to make sure you catch all of the story? There have been more than a few rumors flying around about whether there will be a bunch of stingers that you’ll want to check out, so we have the piece that will put all that to rest about what’s in store after the credits have come to a close.
Who Is the New Black Panther?
There are perhaps no greater shoes to fill than those left by the titanic talent that was Chadwick Boseman. No one will ever be able to replace the charisma and compassion that he brought to the role that he made his own in so many ways. However, the film does provide someone that was closer to his character than just about anyone who seems set to now carry on the legacy.
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Mid-Credits Scene Explained
Wouldn’t you know it, as it turns out, there is one rather significant scene that comes at the end of this story that has the potential to reshape the entire world as we know it. Coming off of a sentimental and sweet final sendoff for Boseman, we’ve broken down how this mid-credits is immensely important to the question of succession of who will now rule Wakanda.
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Ending Explained
The resolution of the central conflict of the film has the potential to make for an alliance that could mark the end of fighting between would-be friends, or it could merely be the beginning of yet more conflict on the horizon. We’ve got a breakdown of all this and more that plays out.
How Did T'Challa Die?
One of the biggest early questions is what happened to take the life of King T’Challa. There isn’t a lot of information on this one, but we were able to piece together some insights that are sprinkled throughout the film to give the best indication of what led up to his loss.
All the Easter Eggs
Beyond the main story, there was certainly a lot going on to keep up with throughout this latest Marvel film. As usual, there were references galore to everything from other characters to the past repercussions of prior films. We’ve rounded up all this and more to make sure that you are up to speed on everything there is to know about how this film connects to the broader MCU.
All the Unanswered Questions We Have
There are more than a few threads left dangling in the film that has had us wondering what significance they could have on the story moving forward. From who will come to rule Wakanda to what the direction could be for the upcoming Ironheart, we lay out all that we are still pondering after the journey that was taken on this most recent superhero outing.
Does Killmonger Come Back?
Remember Killmonger? The standout antagonist of the first film that was right about a lot of things though still met his untimely end? Well, we know that we were more than a little bit curious about what impact he could have on this sequel and particularly suspicious that the story would find a way to bring him back even if it was only for just a single scene.
Is Shuri the New Black Panther?
Similar to one of the other questions we answered above, we zeroed in on whether it will be Shuri that takes on the role of Black Panther in future stories. She certainly has the tech know-how, but is this something that she will even want to be? Or would she rather just leave it all behind and chart her own path she chooses for herself? Join us as we gaze into the future.
Every Single Confirmed Mutant in the MCU After 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'
Though we haven’t had a full X-Men crossover just yet, the MCU has gotten more comfortable in throwing out some references to mutants here and there. There are even some of these such mentions that come up in this latest film. Thus, we've made sure to update our running tally to bring you up to speed about the growing number of mutants that we’ve been introduced to.
Is Namor a Mutant?
The latest addition to the MCU has a lot of mystique surrounding him. Capable of both breathing underwater and flying through the air, it almost seems like he may be one of those so-called mutants we’ve been hearing rumblings about. We did a deep dive into the origins of the character, how this cinematic interpretation differs from his original portrayal in the comics, and everything that you need to know about this character we’re certain to be seeing more of.
Who Is T’Challa’s Son?
That’s right, in case you didn’t read the mid-credits breakdown, T’Challa had a secret son that almost everyone was unaware of. We look at what you need to know about the precocious young kid and the significance of the introduction that none of us saw coming.
Where Is W’Kabi?
Oh, W’Kabi, where art tho? For those who don’t remember, this character was a significant part of the first film and was one of the characters who ended up rebelling against T’Challa by siding with Killmonger. Played by Daniel Kaluuya, his absence from this latest sequel has us wondering what happened to him since then and where on Earth he might have gone. We did get confirmation that he is indeed still alive, but there is still something holding us back from seeing him.
Why Ramonda Dies
One of the most devastating losses of the film was that of Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) who had been leading the Kingdom of Wakanda after her own son had passed. There aren’t characters who were as full of gravitas, and she was in times of great strife. This makes her loss a rather shocking and unexpected one that we wanted to explore the immense repercussions of.
Who Rules Wakanda Now?
Once more, the Kingdom of Wakanda is now facing yet more questions about its future and role in the world. Making things even more complicated is that the throne is now open for the taking. It doesn’t seem as though Shuri particularly wants to rule now that she has lost both her mother and her brother, so we’re now thinking about who it is that could take on the role in her place.
Who Was Lake Bell's Character?
For those who have followed Lake Bell’s career, she has been just about everywhere but a Marvel movie. This made her appearance and the direction her character goes in is quite surprising. We took our best crack at digging into the background of what you need to know about her and how her short-lived presence may relate to in the comics.
Who Are 'Wakanda Forever's Midnight Angels and Are They in The Comics?
There were plenty of new heroes doing battle in this story, but none were more visually striking than the Midnight Angels that came in clutch when our characters needed them. In the film, they wore suits that were made by Shuri but their comics origin has much more to tell us about how these fearsome fighters might expand in what we hope are many future appearances.
Who Is Trevor Noah’s AI Character?
Trevor Noah is soon departing The Daily Show and the comedian also may be now expanding into doing some other acting with all the free time he’s going to have. For you fellow sharp listeners who thought one particular character’s voice sounded familiar, you were correct in that Noah did indeed pop in here and there throughout the film. We did a deep dive into what to know about his character, that you don’t ever see, and how it fits in with other similar characters.
That Huge 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Scene on The Ancestral Plane, Explained
One of the most impactful scenes of the film was not one that took place in our realm, but on the ancestral plane that had previously been inaccessible until Shuri managed to find a way back in. What she found there was not what she expected and it left a clear mark on her character that has the potential to push her in a far different direction as she navigates an uncertain future.
Here's How 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Sets Up the MCU 'Ironheart' Series
Wakanda Forever set up many things like the Talokanil and Namor, not to mention the new Black Panther and a new ruler for Wakanda, but among the character, one stands out and that's the American scientist and MIT student Riri Williams. Although we didn't get her name yet as Ironheart, Riri is set to appear on her own Disney+ show Ironheart. The Tony Stark fan built her own suit in this movie and we dive into where her character could go according to the comics.
How 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Sets Up the MCU 'Ironheart' Series
With Marvel, everything is always about what is coming next. This means much of the movie is about setting up for the upcoming MCU Ironheart series who will carry on the mantle of Iron Man for a new generation. We dug into all the ways that the stage is being set for this new story.
How the Namor of 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Is Different From the Comics
The character who made the biggest splash in this latest film was also one of the universe’s newest. However, the Namor we saw on screen was substantially different from the version that first appeared in the comics. We broke down all the differences in his design, backstory, and more.
What Exactly Are Namor's Powers Anyways?
Continuing in that line of thinking, there also was a whole lot of new information provided about Namor’s powers. He can fly, has super strength, and can breathe underwater, though where does this all come from? We’ve got all the answers about what makes this hunk of a hero tick.
How 'Wakanda Forever' Is Better Than 'Black Panther'
Now we start to bust out hot takes about not just this film, but the one that preceded it. The initial Black Panther set the stage, established all the characters, and built the foundations of the world. However, Wakanda Forever did have underwater fights, so there is much to think about.
Your Guide To the Many Tribes of Wakanda
There is more than just one tribe within the vast nation of Wakanda and, as such, they all have their own characteristics that distinguish them from each other. Whether living high up in the mountains or down by the waters, we take you through all you need to know about each.
Why Does Shuri See [SPOILER] on The Ancestral Plane in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'?
When facing a crisis midway through the film, Shuri goes to seek guidance from her ancestors. However, rather than get answers about what she needs to do, she encounters a figure from her past that, while not her family, left an indelible mark on her world. The question is: why?
Riri's Badass Suits: Everything You Need to Know
Why have one suit when you can have multiple? Over the course of the film, we got to see Riri AKA Ironheart get a new suit. From a prototype to the one she uses in the final battle, we take you through how they all came to be and what they may show us about the future.
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever': How Did K’uk’ulkan Get The Name Namor?
We’ve got more about one of the newest characters to appear in this universe. Specifically, this piece breaks down the origin of his name Namor and how it is that he was given it. Drawing once again from his history in the comics and language, the answer is an illuminating one.
Once Again, Colonialism Is the Real Enemy in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'
While the final battle of Wakanda Forever is between two different kingdoms, they are united by a common enemy that has begun to encroach upon each of them. This existential threat is colonialism, and we’ve got an analysis looking into how this element is woven into every frame.
All the Ways 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Honors Chadwick Boseman
Even as this latest MCU film is all about the various future stories, it also looks back to the past and the all-too-real loss of Chadwick Boseman. From the opening to the closing, his immense loss hangs over everything and the film serves as a sendoff to the man behind the mask.
The Talokanil's Powers, Explained
When we first get introduced to the Talokanil, it is clear that it is unlike anything else that has appeared in a Marvel movie. Much of their abilities initially defy explanation, so we put together this handy guide on all that they are able to do that jumped out at us.
This One Scene in 'Civil War' Sets Up The Entire Premise of 'Wakanda Forever'
Before we even got to Wakanda Forever, there was one moment in a prior Marvel movie that proved to be of the utmost importance. Though it has been more than six years since the release of Civil War, its legacy has carried on into this film in one significant way.
Who is 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's Val — aka Valentina Allegra de Fontaine?
There is a decent chance that, for some of you not fully up to speed on all the many Marvel television series, there was one character in Wakanda Forever who you didn’t recognize. Lucky for you, we’ve got all the background you need on Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Val and what her significance to the story is (no, she isn’t a clone of her character from Seinfeld).
Here's Everything You Need to Know About Bashenga, The First Black Panther
Long before there was T’Challa, there was another Black Panther that was the foundation of the character as we know it. Bashenga was the first king of what was not yet Wakanda though would serve as a leader who would usher in a new age of prosperity and power.
Why Riri Williams' Dad Is So Important
In Wakanda Forever, family is everything to the characters and the world they inhabit. As such, the many references to Riri’s father is of the utmost importance to understanding both her past and her future as she is soon to get her own series that will delve further into their relationship.
So What Was All That About? The MCU's Phase 4 Explained (Sorta)
There was a lot that happened in Phase 4 from multiple journeys through the multiverse to the death of some rather significant characters. With this most recent series of movies and television now at its end, we took the opportunity to break down all that happened up till now.
All The MCU Connections in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' You Might Have Missed
There is never a dearth of hidden references to the MCU in their movies, and we kept our eyes out for anything in every single frame of their latest. From a character writing a memoir to diplomacy taking part with space refugees and much more, we cover it all just for you.
The Ways in Which Namor is Killmonger 2.0
We weren’t the only ones who thought Namor was really similar, right? Though he has his own powers, his motivations were quite similar to the late Killmonger from the first movie. Even as they ended up taking vastly different paths, there is much to delve into in how they are united.
Wait, HOW Many Black Panthers Are There Now?
There are so many Black Panthers out there, we can't keep it all straight. We decided now was as good a time as ever to look back through history to trace all of the various people that have taken on the title and used its power. However, this number could only grow.
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever': Who Is Attuma in the Comics?
Our new favorite mountain of a man, Attuma, made a splash every time he appeared on-screen and made us want to learn everything we could about him. We have brought to you the results of all our research that uncovered how he was different in the comics as compared to the film.
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Embraces Its Past by Running Full-Speed into the Future
Much of Wakanda Forever was about looking to the past, but there is also plenty about what the future may end up holding for these characters as well. We broke down the way the film strikes a balance between embracing change while also respecting the traditions of its world.
Shuri’s Journey in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Is One of the Best Emotional Arcs in the MCU
Speaking of striking a balance between the past and the future, we got one more piece about the journey that Shuri takes from grieving the loss of her brother to looking ahead to the future. Though it was a painful path that she took, it also proved to be the most rewarding in the end.
Who Are the Most Sympathetic Villains of Phase 4?
Who doesn't love a sympathetic villain? Well the MCU loves a good villain with a reason for their evil, so we decided to rank where they stand in terms of Phase 4. From the Doc Ocks to the Namors to the Wandas, we might see where these bad guys are coming from but they are not all created equal.
Read More About 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever':
Ryan Coogler, Letitia Wright & Cast Reflect on the Film's Emotional Impact
Director Ryan Coogler on Deleted Scenes and What's Next for Him
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's Lupita Nyong'o Says Filming the Sequel Was Cathartic
