While plot details about the upcoming Black Panther sequel are closely guarded, casting announcements are becoming more frequent as filming begins. The most recent performer to join the cast is Michaela Cole. She isn't just an actress, but also a producer and writer, Emmy nominated for her work in I May Destroy You. Her role hasn't been revealed just yet, but that doesn't mean fans can't speculate.
In fact, casting speculation is like a rite of passage amongst comic book fans. Trying to figure out just which characters the Marvel Cinematic Universe or DC's Extended Universe will bring to the screen next is certainly a fun way to pass the time between projects. The first Black Panther film is already populated with so many of the characters associated with the titular hero, or Wakanda in general, that there aren't a lot of well-known characters likely to be in the mix. Of course, Coel could also be playing a character completely unique to the movie universe as well. If she's not, these particular comic book candidates are interesting possibilities.
Madam Slay
Some fans believed this comic book character already made an MCU appearance as an Easter egg. The woman who accompanied Killmonger to the museum in Black Panther wore leopard print clothing, potentially a nod to the comic book character. If Madam Slay appears in the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, however, that clothing might have been an Easter egg and nothing more.
Why is that leopard print a comic book nod? Madam Slay is known for her affinity with leopards. She can even command them. The character also holds a connection, not to T'Challa, but to Killmonger. So many fans hope Michael B. Jordan will return to the MCU. Madam Slay is a way to make that happen with a fun villain. She resurrects Killmonger in the comics and helps command his followers. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Madam Slay is a decent fighter in her own right, making her a match for members of the Dora Milaje in combat.
Aneka
Though the Black Panther 2 script has gone through a few rewrites already, the audience knows that a lot of characters are returning for a sequel. That includes members of the Dora Milaje like Okoye. The movies could stand to have a few more members of Wakanda's female fighting force fleshed out. Ayo recently appeared in The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, giving the audience a chance to get to know her slightly better.
Tied to Ayo's comic book story is another member of the Dora Milaje, Aneka. The two frequently train and pair up on missions together - and also date. Ayo even breaks Aneka out of prison when she breaks the rules of the Dora Milaje. Coel playing Aneka would give a voice to the Dora Milaje, but also help to flesh out Ayo's character even more if the latter appears in the sequel.
Bast
Inspired by the Bast of Egyptian mythology, she is the Panther God of Wakanda in Marvel comics. She also, technically, already appeared in the previous Black Panther movie. That appearance, however, included a larger-than-life panther. She also appears more human-like in some of her comic book appearances.
While it's impossible for Chadwick Boseman to return as Black Panther, the cast has made it clear that this movie will honor him. One of the ways it could is with a return to the ancestral plane where T'Challa met his fallen father. That is Bast's dominion. She is the goddess who granted the magical herb to Wakandan royalty. If the movie delves more into the lineage of the Black Panther, or the history of Wakanda, flashbacks to or visions of Bast could be an interesting role for Coel to fill.
Ohyaku
Ohyaku might be the most interesting option for comic book fans. She's only appeared in a handful of comics since her 2009 debut. She is, however, an enemy for Shuri. Considering other characters in the Black Panther world need the spotlight, it would make perfect sense to see Shuri's nemesis on screen. Her short comic book history means the writers would have almost a blank slate for Coel to bring to life as well. Other than her role as a mercenary and a villain who scavenges technology, not much is known about her.
Of course, with so many characters returning (Queen Ramonda, M'Baku, Okoye, and more), it's also not clear which characters will be front and center and which will be supporting.
Storm
Fans remain divided about just when the X-Men characters should appear in the MCU. There's no question that it will eventually happen. The MCU, however, has had a good run without needing the mutants making a splash. If they started introducing characters in earlier movies, Storm (real name Ororo Munroe) is a great candidate.
Her role in the world of Black Panther comics is as T'Challa's wife. That doesn't have to be her role in the MCU. She grew up as a pickpocket and when her powers manifested, was worshipped as a goddess. That particular storyline would be a great one for Coel to bring to life. Storm before becoming an X-Man, crossing paths with the Wakandan royal family, would make for a powerful introduction to the character.