Black Panther 2 Video Hints At T’Challa Memorial & His MCU Story Ending

A recently-released set video for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hints at a memorial for King T’Challa, the character played by the late Chadwick Boseman. Celebrated actor Chadwick Boseman tragically passed away in August 2020. Although Boseman should be considered a hero in his own right, known for his inspirational example and charity work, to Marvel fans he will always be remembered most fondly for playing the part of Black Panther in the MCU. Marvel Studios is determined to honor his legacy, and they’ve confirmed they will not recast his role.

Principal photography on Black Panther 2 officially started in June 2021, but the first glimpse of the upcoming Marvel blockbuster was offered in a surprise set video apparently showing Wakanda’s throne room. The first Black Panther earned a much-deserved Oscar for production design, and the same love and care is clearly being taken with the sequel. But this set video may be more important than anyone realized, because on close examination there are pillars inscribed with words in the Wakandan language.

It’s actually possible to translate words from Wakandan, because in October 2020 Marvel published an official in-universe book called The Wakanda Files. This purports to be records collected and collated by Shuri, and it even foreshadowed WandaVision‘s Scarlet Witch retcons, so it should clearly be taken seriously. Most interestingly, it includes a Wakandan translation key. Using this, it’s possible to translate the words on the pillar – and they seem to point to a new memorial to the late King T’Challa. Although some letters are obscured by cameras and lights, the inscriptions seem to read:

• REST IN POWER
• KING T’CHALLA
• OUR HERO
• (I)T WAS AN HONOR
• (WAKA)NDA FOREVER

The inscription indicates King T’Challa has indeed passed away, with the Wakandans choosing to honor him by establishing a lasting memorial to their late king. It certainly makes sense for them to hold T’Challa above all other kings, because – for all his reign may have been tragically brief – he had an enduring impact on Wakanda. T’Challa abandoned the isolationist policies of previous rulers, revealing his nation’s secrets to the world, and he established allies among the Avengers. Wakandans participated in the two greatest battles against Thanos’ forces, with one even taking place on Wakandan soil. There has likely not been a more influential king to Wakanda since it was founded under Bashenga, the first Black Panther.

No doubt Black Panther 2 will be something of an emotional experience, both for those involved in the production and for audiences worldwide. The cast and crew have lost a friend, while viewers who loved Boseman’s Black Panther will be deeply invested in seeing him honored. This subtle detail in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘s set design confirms that Marvel is taking this seriously, and they intend to produce a film that truly honors their much-missed colleague.

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Thomas Bacon
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Tom Bacon is one of Screen Rant’s staff writers, as well as a Peer Mentor for new writers and a member of the Care Team, offering support and a listening ear to members of the Comics group. A lifelong fan of major franchises including Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Marvel, Tom is delighted his childhood is back – and this time it’s cool. You can find him on Twitter @TomABacon.

A graduate of Edge Hill University, Tom remains strongly connected with his alma mater as a volunteer chaplain. He’s heavily involved with his local church, and anyone who checks him out on Twitter will swiftly learn he’s into British politics too.

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