Written By Kieran Bugg
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sets the stage for Doctor Doom’s arrival in the MCU. On January 17, Geekosity covered a rumor of Doctor Doom’s presence in the sequel. Since then, sources revealed that Marvel Studios planned a Doctor Doom cameo for the film. On the other hand, this hasn’t been confirmed.
If they changed that idea, they’ve opened the doors.
Nevertheless, The Hollywood Reporter speculated that Doctor Doom could be the movie’s real villain. After all, Tenoch Huerta claimed his Namor isn’t the bad guy:
While purely speculative, Huerta’s comments about not being the villain and the themes of Wakanda Forever illuminated by the recent trailer suggest that Doom may play a role in this epic clash of nations.
Black Panther 2 Sets Up Doctor Doom In The MCU
Image: Marvel Studios
Initially, fans became skeptical of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Chadwick Boseman died. They can’t replace him. Boseman’s heart fueled Black Panther. Bravely, they moved forward.
Wakanda goes to war with Namor and his kingdom. The mourning turns short-lived. it’s clear the film takes inspiration from certain comics. Much like in the Avengers vs. X-Men series, we see Namor flood Wakanda and Shuri (Letitia Wright) become the new Black Panther.
However, it’s still unclear what exactly puts the two kingdoms at odds. It’s possible King T’Challa’s untimely passing caused it. With him gone, the nation turned vulnerable and susceptible to invasion. Thus, Namor invaded.
Therefore, who is the main antagonist then? All signs point to Attuma (Alex Livinalli). He is actually Namor’s archenemy in the comics. The newest movie poster even teases this. We can see Attuma and Namor’s sister, Namora (Mabel Cadena), behind both his shoulders.
Black Panther 2 Sets Up Doctor Doom In The MCU
Image: Marvel Studios
Symbolically, they’re Namor’s angel and Devil. It’s possible that Attuma manipulates Namor to attack Wakanda. Plot twist?
Still, the Big Bad himself, Doctor Doom, lurks in the shadows. In fact, it’s rooted in comic history. The rivalry between Namor and Black Panther also involved Doctor Doom at some points.
After all, Doctor Doom is also a ruler of his own kingdom. For all we know he could be the mastermind behind the film’s plot and the war between Wakanda and Talocan. Having both kingdoms destroy each other could prove beneficial for the tyrant.
With or without him, the movie breaks box-office records. No doubt about it. The buzz builds.