Even though T'Challa is the one who inherited the Black Panther mantle, he's not the only talented member of his family. When the Black Panther movie is released early next year, we'll meet many of the hero's allies in Wakanda, including his sister, Shuri. Played by Humans star Letitia Wright, Shuri won't just be supporting T'Challa as he attends to his royal and superhero duties. She'll also be developing important technology for Wakanda. According to Wright:
She's princess of Wakanda, but also she designs all of the new technology there. She has an innovative spirit and an innovative mind, and she wants to take Wakanda to a new place. Also, she has a great fashion sense, better than mine. She's so vibrant; a beautiful spirit, but also so focused on what she does. And that's good for other people to see, especially for young people to see, because it's like, 'Look, there's a young black girl who loves technology and she's from Africa.' It's something refreshing.
Letitia Wright provided this description of what Black Panther's Shuri will be like while talking with Interview Magazine, describing the character as one of the brightest minds Wakanda has to offer. Just like in the Marvel Comics universe, the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Wakanda is the most technologically advanced nation on Earth, and it sounds like in recent years, we have Shuri to thank for some of those achievements.
While Wright didn't mention any specific projects that Shuri will be working on during Black Panther, I'd be pleased if she has a hand in upgrading T'Challa's virbranium suit so it's even better than the one we saw in Captain America: Civil War. Also keep in mind that in the comics, Shuri served as the Black Panther for a little bit. This may not necessarily happen the MCU, but if she's just as skilled at fighting as she is with designing technology, perhaps she's designed her own suit to wear into battle.
Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, which included King T'Chaka being killed, Black Panther will follow T'Challa returning to Wakanda and navigating potentially becoming the new ruler of his people. If that wasn't enough to weigh on his mind, T'Challa will also have to deal with rogue factions operating within Wakanda that are aiming to collapse the kingdom, including Erik Killmonger and Ulysses Klaue. Fortunately, T'Challa won't be alone in combating them. In addition to his sister, he'll also be supported by the Dora Milaje (the special forces team that guards the Black Panther) and CIA agent Everett K. Ross, who also debuted in Captain America: Civil War.
Black Panther will prowl into theaters on February 16, 2018. While we wait for more news about the movie, check out our 2017 movie guide to see what's being released for the remainder of the year, including fellow MCU entries Spider-Man: Homecoming and Thor: Ragnarok.
