Ryan Coogler Explains Missing Black Panther Character in Wakanda Forever

This clears up a bit of the mystery after Kuluuya told Variety that his absence is what’s best for the story. Still, the Nope star said he’s excited to see Wakanda Forever. When pushed on whether he’ll ever come back, he concluded, “You know I can’t tell you! You’re supposed to start with that!” By the sounds of it, the Border Tribe either won’t feature or might have a relatively minor role. A lack of them or an early attack would explain how it’s easy for Namor (Tenoch Huerta) and the Talokans to breach Wakanda’s borders. 

Although Kuluuya is one of the few original cast members not returning, we know Wakanda Forever will include other MIA characters like Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), so fans were right to question why W’Kabi didn’t feature in the trailers. It’s pure speculation about how Wakanda Forever will fill audiences in on the W’Kabi-shaped hole, but with scenes depicting T’Challa’s funeral or a memorial service, it seems like the perfect opportunity to reveal why his former BFF isn’t there. Either way, W’Kabi’s story is done for now. 

At least we know the potential is there for a reprieve further down the line, and with Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore recently referring to the Dominique Thorne-led Ironheart as a “direct sequel” to Wakanda Forever, who knows which familiar faces will pop up? Still, don’t expect Okoye and W’Kabi to reignite their spark anytime soon. Remember that Marvel refuted claims (via Vanity Fair) the original Black Panther cut a romantic moment between Okoye and Florence Kasumba’s Ayo, there could’ve been a chance to explore this in Wakanda Forever. Even if Okoye is part of the LGBTQ+ community, Michaela Coel seemingly spoiled that her character (Aneka) will be Ayo’s love interest during an interview with Vogue. 

Despite having so many sprawling plot threads, the MCU is known for shock returns – which there have been many of late. As well as She-Hulk making good on the long-rumored return of Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Captain America: New World Order will see Tim Blake Nelson reprise his role as Samuel Sterns/the Leader a mere 16 years after he appeared in The Incredible Hulk. It’s true there are still outliers including Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) that are well overdue another go, but at least we know W’Kabi was considered during Wakanda Forever.  Whether W’Kabi is one of those long-forgotten characters who get a shock comeback like Lady Sif, or he’s just another Betty Ross, remains to be seen.