Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has had fans' attention for a long time. The last Black Panther film premiered back in 2018, and with the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman, audiences worldwide had no idea what was next for Wakanda and everyone in it. Despite the strategy, Marvel Studios decided to move forward with the sequel, bringing Letitia Wright's Shuri, Winston Duke's M'Baku, and many more into the spotlight.
But where will they go with no T'Challa? Those answers aren't known for sure just yet, but rumors have it that Namor and his city of Atlantis are going to be joining the fray. Their nation is one that is usually in conflict with Wakanda, so there's a strong chance of those characters not getting along with the heroes in Wakanda Forever.
It's been previously reported that Wright's Shuri will be getting a bigger role, which makes sense given her status as the Wakandan Princess. Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams is also set to be introduced in the film ahead of her Disney+ debut in Ironheart.
Now it's been reported that another character is set to become an even bigger part of the MCU: M'Baku.
M'Baku Gets A Bigger Role
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Winston Duke, the actor who brings M'Baku to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has negotiated a significant raise for his return to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The payment increase is an apparent result of M'Baku's expanded role in the Black Panther franchise mythos. However, it is unclear what exactly that expansion will be.
M'Baku The Black Panther?
One of the first possible options is Wakanda Forever ending with M'Baku taking on the mantle of Black Panther. While certainly a considerable possibility, many fans believe that Letitia Wright's Shuri will be the one to inherit the role and follow in her brother's footsteps.
Either way, Wakanda doesn't seem to be going anywhere any time soon. With both M'Baku and Shuri getting more significant roles, going forward, they could be staples of the wider cinematic universe.
Even Danai Gurira's Okoye is set to have her own Disney+ show. There's also another rumored show focused on the legendary city that may possibly be an addition to Marvel Studios' animated library.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to hit theaters on November 11 later this year.
