Marvel Studios has released the first Black Panther: Wakanda Forever deleted scene, and it teases what could have been a very different ending for Ryan Coogler's sequel.
We've heard rumblings for a long time that multiple characters were considered to become the MCU's new Black Panther and Wakanda's ruler. In the movie itself, Shuri chose to pick up where her brother left off by inheriting his superhero mantle, but seemingly abdicated the throne to M'Baku. However, is he really Wakanda's new King?
This deleted scene suggests that there was a time when Okoye would have stepped forward at Warrior Falls in an effort to be named her country's Queen. This would have been a strange move following her dismissal from the Dora Milaje by Queen Ramonda, but it's a development we'd have been intrigued to follow.
Titled "Daughter of the Border," this deleted scene follows Okoye (Danai Gurira) when she's faced with a daunting choice after a conversation with her Uncle (Danny Sapani), one of the Border Tribe's elders.
While it's possible Okoye did decide to challenge M'Baku, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ended with her keeping that Midnight Angel armour and rescuing Everett Ross after he was arrested by the CIA. It's unclear what the future holds in store for the hero from here, though there have been rumblings about a Disney+ spin-off series.
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ranks among Marvel Studios' best movies, and is an emotional, uplifting, tour de force of a blockbuster," we said in our review last year. "Letitia Wright delivers a powerhouse performance, while Angela Bassett’s majestic work will leave you reeling."
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will debut on Disney+ on February 1 ahead of its DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD release on February 7.
Watch this new deleted scene below.