1 Black Panther 2 Choice Made Killmonger"s Cameo Even Better

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One choice made for Killmonger's return in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever made his cameo in the MCU's Phase 4 even more powerful. Michael B. Jordan debuted as Erik "Killmonger" Stevens in 2018's Black Panther, the former Navy SEAL and son of King T'Chaka's brother, Prince N'Jobu, who journeyed to Wakanda to challenge Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa for the throne. Killmonger's thirst for vengeance made him a formidable opponent to T'Challa, though the villain was eventually defeated by Wakanda's new King. Where it was thought that T'Challa or Queen Ramonda would greet Shuri in the Ancestral Plane, it was actually Killmonger who appeared to the new Black Panther in Wakanda Forever.
After the 2020 passing of Chadwick Boseman, many wondered whether the role of T'Challa would be recast for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, or whether visual effects would be used to digitally recreate Boseman's appearance. However, in an effort to honor the legend, Boseman and T'Challa were written out of the film altogether, with the storyline changing drastically. This meant that Letitia Wright was given a more pivotal role in the MCU's Phase 4, stepping into the role of the Black Panther after creating a synthetic heart-shaped herb, but her visitor in the Ancestral Plane was kept a mystery until the very last second thanks to one brilliant creative decision.
Killmonger’s Hair Looked Like Ramonda’s Hat In The Ancestral Plane

During Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda, portrayed by Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett, was killed during Namor's initial attack on Wakanda. This led to Shuri's creation of the heart-shaped herb and ascension into the role of Black Panther, leading many to speculate that Ramonda would be the ancestor to appear before Shuri in the Ancestral Plane. While it was instead Killmonger who visited the young hero, Michael B. Jordan made a choice concerning Killmonger's wardrobe that kept his identity a secret until the very last second, namely wearing his hair tied up to replicate the shape of Queen Ramonda's trademark hats.
When Shuri initially enters the Ancestral Plane, only the back of the Wakandan throne can be seen, but someone is obviously sitting in it. The shot only shows the top of the mystery individual's head, however, so the choice to have Killmonger wear his hair tied up meant that his cameo twist was kept a secret for as long as possible and provided the biggest shock when he was actually revealed. With Wakanda Forever killing off Queen Ramonda only moments earlier, she was perhaps the most expected ancestor on Shuri's journey, but Killmonger played a hugely important role in Shuri's quest for self-discovery.
Shuri Needed To See Killmonger In The Ancestral Plane

Since the focus of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever couldn't be on Chadwick Boseman, attention was drawn more to Shuri's point of view. Director Ryan Coogler delved deep into Shuri's grief and acceptance of her new role in the MCU, forming a tenuous bond between her and Namor as the two protectors of their hidden nations, and Killmonger appearing to Shuri in the Ancestral Plane was an important moment in the story. Killmonger's mission was one of vengeance, but Shuri chose to follow her brother, deciding instead to form an alliance to show strength, though still taking note of Killmonger's speech during this touching moment in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
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