The void from T’Challa’s absence in Black Panther 2 hits home for MCU fans but Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) taking charge of the technological nation in Wakanda Forever is one of the highlights of the acclaimed sequel, in fact, her moving performance has already earned her Oscar buzz among critics. However, even with the Queen Mother leading the Wakadans, the unforeseen threat of Namor (Tenoch Huerta) and the underwater world Talocan overwhelms them to the point of facing devastating consequences.
Warning: The article contains major spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther 2 is finally out in theaters and the verdict overall remains the same as the early social media reactions from critics — the second installment does justice to the unfortunate demise of Chadwick Boseman a.k.a his character T’Challa whilst also delivering a gripping emotional story that centers over two powerful nations’ conflict caused by the outside world’s desire to obtain vibranium. Sadly, the heightened stakes also resulted in more losses of lives, and Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright), who struggles with her brother’s death, is dealt with the most painful blow.
As the trailers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have indicated, Namor and his Talocan people are the biggest threat to Wakanda, which is still reeling from the loss of its King. Furthermore, T’Challa’s death also invites dangers from the outside world due to other nations’ interest in Vibranium. While Queen Ramonda successfully deals with the perils of “colonizers”, Namor’s arrival catches her as well as the nation off guard.
In Black Panther 2, the Wakadans, for the first time, face an army that also wields vibranium. Moreover, their sub-aquatic tactics and water-based explosives are just too much for a land-dwelling army to overcome on their first encounter. Unfortunately, Queen Ramonda is also blind-sided by her need to rescue her daughter, who remains in the underwater world with Namor.
Shuri deals with Namor in Black Panther 2 but not without casualties
Namor and the Talocan’s first assault on Wakanda is provoked by Nakia’s secret mission to retrieve Princess Shuri from the water kingdom. While she succeeds, it also leads to innocent Talocan casualties. It in turn angers Namor to attack Wakanda where he drowns parts of Wakanda with even the Dora Milege struggling to push back the surprise attack.
The Talocan’s Feathered Serpent God ends the attack by axing off the main pawn of Wakanda, yes, Queen Ramonda is killed by Namor in a gruesome way, by drowning her. The Queen Mother heroically saves Riri Willams as her last act and the Sub-Mariner leaves the nation, commanding the next in line, Shuri to ally with them.
Queen Ramonda’s death is the turning point for Shuri which leads her to take up the Black Panther mantle. Even so, her demise came as a surprise for many Marvel fans as the sequel also deals with T’Challa’s legacy. Nevertheless, the passing away of these two characters sets the precedence for the future of the Black Panther franchise.
