Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is mostly standalone in nature, but it does lay the groundwork for future Marvel Cinematic Universe movies/shows in a couple of significant ways.
The introduction of Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) obviously sets-up the Ironheart Disney+ series, but Ryan Coogler's sequel also features a surprise appearance from another character that is sure to have major ramifications for Phase 5 and beyond.
When Shuri (Letitia Wright) and Okoye (Danai Gurira) travel to the U.S. to ask Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) for help in locating Riri, we soon find out that none other than Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is the CIA's new Director - and Ross' ex wife.
Though Val appears to support Ross' efforts to avert conflict with Wakanda at first, it's later revealed that she's been monitoring his conversations with Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) all along and knows the Wakandans are hiding something (the existence of Namor and Talokan). It's strongly implied that Val wants to harness the power of Vibranium, and this might give us a pretty good idea of where things are heading.
We know Val will lead the Thunderbolts, and a recent rumor claimed that the upcoming movie will focus on the team going to war with Wakanda. As formidable as the roster may be, it's difficult to imagine a handful of enhanced individuals going up against the might of the Black Panther and her people - and potentially Talokan - so perhaps we will see Secretary Ross (Harrison Ford) transform into the Red Hulk after all!
The whole Ross/Val subplot does feel a little shoehorned in (many seem to feel the movie would have flowed a lot better without it), so we have to assume it's setting up something. It was recently confirmed that "multiple" Wakanda-centric Disney+ shows are in development, so we might well see Val and her crew again before Thunderbolts hits theaters in 2024.
What did you make of Val's involvement? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section (you can check out our review here).
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livanalli.