The following article contains spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.For the past 14 years, Marvel Studios has been perfecting the art of the cameo which often come in different shapes and forms, so it’s really no surprise that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever features both the good and bad parts such appearances can bring to a movie.
Surprisingly, 2018’s Black Panther achieved its unprecedented success without having to rely too much on special appearances, namely limiting itself to Everett Ross, who justifies his place as the link between America and Wakanda, as well as a minor showing from Bucky Barnes and the late Stan Lee. What made Black Panther so great was it allowed the audience to immerse themselves in the African nation’s culture and politics, nevertheless, not all of Wakanda Forever’s cameos necessarily aim for that.
All In The Family
Out of the guest stars who made a surprise appearance in Wakanda Forever, Michael B. Jordan will surely come out as the audience’s favorite and this is in no small part due to the success and praise he gained from his performance as Killmonger. Black Panther is one of the best MCU movies partly because Ryan Coogler wrote a compelling and intriguing villain for it, one that could force T’Challa to change his ways and truly push him to the limit.
Four years later, N’Jadaka still does the same for his little cousin. In a movie packed with amazing acting all across the board, Letitia Wright is tasked with the lead, and as such, she has to take Shuri on a truly epic trip. The best heroes are those that have to balance conflicting values and beliefs, with the Princess’ main drivers being the incapacity to properly process her brother’s death and her faith in science clashing with her ancestors' customs.
Heroes are also defined by moments from which there’s no going back. For example, Queen Ramonda’s death, which sends Shuri spiraling down an even worse type of rage that only becomes fully obvious in the ancestral plane. Similarly to how Killmonger only saw his father locked inside that Oakland apartment, Shuri encounters N’Jadaka trapped inside the throne room to get a good look in the mirror at what she risks becoming, and, ultimately, it’s this that prevents her from killing Namor and tainting her soul forever.
While it’s amazing for Coogler to always be able to rely on Jordan’s star power, this is not an empty forced cameo, but rather one of the most emotional and meaningful turning points for any Marvel character. Shuri’s dream proves why some fans wanted Killmonger to become Black Panther, and it reminds fans of the first movie that his coup changed Wakanda’s history forever.
Shuri always knew she and T’Challa were very different, yet it’s through Killmonger’s words that she can truly embrace her brother’s kindness and wisdom to avoid losing herself like the last Black Panther who donned a black and gold suit.
If It Weren’t For That Meddling CIA
Both Riri Williams and Ross’ appearances in the movie are justified mostly because they’re the ones who bring Namor into play, but regardless of that, it’s arguable to say they might overstay their welcome a bit. If Black Panther was amazing for its ability to exist on its own, this part of the plot, especially in the second half of the film, makes Wakanda Forever seem desperate to find its ties to the MCU’s Phase Five.
Williams’ Ironheart suit is impressive, but her plot armor even more so, as she’s depicted as an overconfident savant (granted, that’s comic book accurate) who has no problem entering the battlefield for the first time in a war between the world’s two most powerful armies. Though she’s there to serve the story, her effortless path is a stark contrast to Shuri’s struggles, and it’s clear the character has a lot of growing up to do in Ironheart.
On the other hand, although Ross may be crucial for Wakandan diplomacy, his ex-wife Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is not. Though fun, that twist comes off as an attempt to convince viewers Val has a reason to be here, other than setting up Wakanda’s conflict with the rest of the world that, considering her current status, might play out in the Thunderbolts movie.
Again, whereas Ironheart is the person of interest for Namor, Val and Ross’ side plot is something that makes Wakanda Forever wander off from exploring Black Panther characters on a deeper level in what amounts to the MCU's second-longest movie. Val and the CIA are not strategic players in the war, because the USA is not even playing at this point. It’s hardly a dealbreaker, but it makes the film lose its focus nonetheless.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever handles the passing of Chadwick Boseman admirably well, even using Killmonger to great effect as a hostile aid in Shuri’s journey. However, Val represents the worst kind of Marvel cameo, one that not only doesn’t make the movie any better, but also cheapens a small part of the experience for no reason other than some slight nod to what's to come, and it's not even Doctor Doom.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently available in theaters.