After four long years, the latest trailer for Avengers: Doomsday has finally answered a burning question left dangling since Black Panther: Wakanda Forever! We're talking about the biggest mystery: who would take the throne after the events of the film? Shuri, though stepping into the Black Panther role, had no desire to rule. This isn't the first time in Marvel lore that the mantle of the Black Panther and the kingship have been separate, but it's a significant shift for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
So, who is the new monarch of Wakanda? Wakanda Forever strongly hinted at Winston Duke's M’Baku, originally a rival to T’Challa, taking the reins. M’Baku is a fan favorite, and the idea of him stepping into a more prominent role is exciting! Plus, his philosophy is so different from T’Challa and even Shuri's, which promises a fascinating dynamic.
M'Baku's Reign Confirmed
The new Avengers: Doomsday teaser, set in Wakanda, features Shuri's return. Her voiceover confirms that M’Baku is indeed the new king, apparently preparing his people for what is to come. This is another hint at the sheer scale of Doomsday, and it follows the previous X-Men Doomsday trailer, which hinted at the mutant reality facing a similar threat. Wakanda's role mirrors the comics that set up the Secret Wars event in 2015, where T’Challa was the first to realize the multiverse was in danger.
But here's where it gets interesting... There are subtle clues that Wakanda has changed under M’Baku's rule. Shuri's Black Panther armor has been redesigned, incorporating a color scheme that suggests Atlantean technology has been integrated. This indicates the alliance between Wakanda and Atlantis has grown stronger, with both sides benefiting. This is a bit unexpected, as M’Baku was more isolationist than T’Challa. However, both kingdoms have historically been withdrawn from other civilizations, so they share common ground.
And this is the part most people miss... The intriguing question is whether M’Baku's Wakanda will continue sharing its technology with the rest of the MCU. It's almost amusing to see the Fantastic Four apparently arriving in Wakanda. They'll likely assume the rest of the MCU is as advanced as the nation they've just stumbled upon. In reality, Wakanda is probably the most technologically advanced nation in the MCU, which sets it apart. The big question is: What will Wakanda do now that the stakes are so high, especially under M’Baku's confident and combative leadership?
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with M'Baku's leadership? Do you think the alliance with Atlantis is a good move? Share your opinions and join the discussion!
