Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. While the Young Avengers are still unannounced, the introduction of many younger superheroes to the MCU has made it clear that some version of the team is likely to come to the MCU. As Marvel prepares to kick off Phase 5 in 2023, it is likely that these young heroes will be seen more often throughout films - including one new addition.
While it was believed that the addition of Skaar in the season finale of Young Avengers roster complete, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever mid-credits scene may have changed that. While Shuri sits on the beach, finally accepting her brother's death, Nakia approaches her. Nakia and T'Challa were teased as love interests in 2018's Black Panther, but due to Chadwick Boseman's death in 2020, audiences never saw it play out on the big screen. In-universe, however, it appears that they did get together after all. Nakia introduces Shuri to her nephew, who is also named T'Challa, after his father.
Will Prince T'Challa Become Black Panther In The MCU?
Shuri has only just become the next Black Panther, so it is unlikely that Marvel will replace her anytime soon. However, there have been multiple Black Panthers in comic book stories. Shuri's comic book origin story is an example. After Shuri became the Black Panther and fought alongside her brother (also as a Black Panther) for years, she ultimately laid down her life for Wakanda in Avengers: Secret Wars with T'Challa resurrecting her in a future story. Since T'Challa will not be returning to the MCU, it is possible a similar story could play out between young T'Challa and Shuri as two Black Panthers in a future film.
Will Prince T'Challa The Young Avengers?
Nakia made it clear she was raising Prince T'Challa in Haiti away from the pressures of Wakanda, even giving him the name Toussaint to conceal his identity. Given that he is only six years old, he is not ready to the cast of the super powered Young Avengers quite yet - but if the MCU timeline reflects reality in instalments, by the time Avengers: Secret Wars debuts he will be ten. While ten still young for a superhero, it is the same age as Billy and Tommy (Wiccan and Speed) from WandaVision, so Marvel may integrate his Black Panther story into Young Avengers installments from this point onwards.
No matter what, it is clear that Prince T'Challa will be involved in future MCU projects in some way. While Marvel has been setting up the Young Avengers - and it seems like a clear choice for this newest addition - they may choose to utilize his character in other ways. Whether it is through Shuri, Prince T'Challa, or both figures, the legacy of the Black Panther (and Chadwick Boseman) will continue to live on in the MCU.
