This article contains major spoilers, so stay tuned below.. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever It has been an emotional and powerful journey through the universe of the hero of the black mask. One that, in addition, had to go through the complicated space of being, at the same time, a posthumous tribute and a novel adventure. Between both things, Ryan Coogler managed to reconcile the point of view in a new look at each element that is part of the mythology associated with Wakanda. Which also allowed the return of one of his most beloved characters.
After years of speculation, Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jacksonreturned to the universe of the fictional African country in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. But he didn’t do it the way most fans expected. In fact, the return occurred through the Wakandan Ancestral Plane. The exception makes clear two points of interest around the figure of the remembered villain, debated with interest about his possible return.
First of all, that the character is dead. At least, when it comes to the timeline in which the Marvel Cinematic Universe takes place. Also, despite his behavior, Killmonger is still of enormous interest to the Black Panther story. As much as to be the figure of him that appears before Shuri (Letitia Wright) once she consumes the artificial version of the Heart-Shaped Herb.
A circumstance that is surprising if one takes into account that, for the crown princess, Killmonger died as a declared enemy of his family. Why Black Panther: Wakanda Forever chose to analyze his figure in such a way? The explanation may be part of the depth of the plot and the symbolic elements that the film intelligently explores.
From the lands of memory to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Odd as it may seem, causing Shuri to come into contact with her deceased cousin on the Ancestral Plane of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever It was a common point. When the new heroine eats the Heart-Shaped Herb she is filled with rage. Her mother has just been killed by Namor (Tenoch Huerta) and his town attacked by the inhabitants of Talocan. But, if that wasn’t enough, the character already had to deal with the possibility that her country would be expropriated and violated by foreign powers.
For Shuri, who in the first movie defended the quality of unsettled territory in Wakanda, the possibility of vibranium spoilage is painful. Much more after the death of his entire family and the probability of having to fight to protect his country alone. So, once on the Ancient Plane, instead of finding T’Challa, or his father T’Chaka, he bumps into his cousin.
As will be recalled, in the original Black PantherKillmonger was filled with rage, with a desire for revenge and justice. Not only due to the abandonment he suffered from his fellow citizens for much of his life. Also because of the awareness of what he considered a violent indifference on the part of his country of origin towards the rest of the world and his pain. So Killmonger became the center of a version of power corrupted by resentment.
So when Shuri accessed the Ancient Plane in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever he had more in common with his deceased relative than with his closest family. At that moment, they were united by the same emotions. Killmonger, who reigned over Wakanda for a short time, wanted to avenge the memory of his murdered father. The same as Shuri finally accepting the Black Panther suit.
A painful yet powerful scene that brings a character back to the present
Once on the Ancient Plane, Killmonger tells Shuri that she is “completely different from T’Challa”. Also, he reminds her that her deceased brother prevented the murder of the man responsible for T’Chaka’s death. “All for nobility,” Killmonger complains angrily. It is then that he suggests that Shuri is much more like him than they both supposed. So he insists that there is only one way to go. Kill Namor, satisfy the brutal justice of death, and stop the war between Wakanda and Talocan.
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But at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri is reluctant to follow her cousin’s path.. Not only does he not kill his enemy, but he makes it clear that he does it out of nobility. An extraordinary point that reflects that becoming Black Panther is more than just a name. It is also a journey through the perception of good and evil that honor the title and the heritage that it symbolizes.