Letitia Wright discusses Shuri’s expanded role in Avengers Doomsday, confirming during a recent interview that she will have a more prominent presence in the next Marvel Studios film, which recently started production in the Middle East. The film, set for release in December 2026, is already sparking rumors about major plot developments involving Black Panther and the introduction of new characters.
Filming Begins for Avengers: Doomsday with Wright Returning as Shuri
Production for Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday has officially kicked off in Bahrain, with Letitia Wright, best known for her role as Shuri, among the first cast members photographed at a local restaurant. In an interview with Flip Your Wig, Wright was asked about stepping back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the highly anticipated crossover film. The Wakanda Forever star confirmed she has started shooting her scenes and will be featured more extensively than in previous Avengers entries.
“It’s just an ensemble of greatness, so I was just really excited to just be a part of it. I’ve been a part of it before, but in a smaller way. Now, I have a little bit more.”
—Letitia Wright, Actor
Speculation Builds Around Black Panther’s Future in the MCU
This expanded role for Shuri has led to speculation that she might be involved in a storyline introducing a new Black Panther. Marvel fans recall the mid-credits scene from Wakanda Forever, where T’Challa II, Shuri’s nephew, was introduced as the son of the late T’Challa, originally portrayed by Chadwick Boseman. Rumors suggest Avengers: Doomsday could feature an older version of T’Challa II donning the Black Panther mantle, though Wright herself remained tight-lipped on the matter when asked directly, choosing not to address the details.
Though Wright declined to elaborate, several industry insiders have indicated that a new character might indeed take up the Black Panther title in Doomsday. Whether this will be T’Challa’s son or another heir to the legacy remains to be seen, but anticipation is running high among MCU fans eager for the next chapter in Wakanda’s story.
Plans Emerge for a Third Black Panther Movie
Despite recent speculation, Marvel has not yet made an official announcement about a third Black Panther film. However, Marvel producer Nate Moore has stated that plans are underway for another addition to the franchise, with director Ryan Coogler expected to return and lead the project. With the story still developing, fans are keeping a close watch for news about the future of Wakanda and its heroes.
Delays and Creative Leadership for Upcoming Avengers Films
Marvel Studios has delayed both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, setting new release dates for December 18, 2026, and December 17, 2027, respectively. These blockbuster films will be directed by the Russo brothers, Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously managed some of the MCU’s most successful titles, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. The dynamic duo expressed their passion for returning to the Marvel Universe after the San Diego Comic-Con panel.
“Being able to create stories and explore characters within the Marvel Universe fulfilled a life-long dream of ours, and we discovered a powerful connection with audiences in each film that we made. We’re thrilled to collaborate once again with Kevin, Lou and the entire Marvel team to bring this epic adventure in storytelling to new and surprising places for both the fans and ourselves”
—The Russo Brothers, Directors
Meet the Expansive Cast of Avengers: Doomsday
The ensemble for Avengers: Doomsday features a wide range of MCU veterans and exciting new faces, setting the stage for one of the franchise’s biggest gatherings yet. Confirmed actors and their roles include Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Lewis Pullman as Sentry, Florence Pugh as Yelena, Danny Ramirez as Falcon, Ian McKellen as Magneto, Sebastian Stan as Bucky, Winston Duke as M’Baku, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Kelsey Grammer as Beast, James Marsden as Cyclops, Channing Tatum as Gambit, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Letitia Wright as Black Panther, Tenoch Huerta Mejia as Namor, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, and Anthony Mackie as Captain America.
What Lies Ahead for Shuri, Black Panther, and the Avengers Universe
With Letitia Wright discussing Shuri’s expanded role in Avengers Doomsday, fans have much to anticipate as the MCU prepares for a new era of superheroes and legendary stories. As the cast assembles and the possibility of further Black Panther adventures looms, all eyes will be on Marvel Studios for the next wave of announcements and the evolution of its iconic characters.
