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Black Panther 2: Why Wakanda Is At War With Atlantis
The first trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever confirms that the nations of Wakanda and Atlantis will be at war in the next MCU film, though the exact cause for their conflict remains unclear. Debuting Namor as the King of the Seas from the comics, it's evident from the new trailer that he and his people have a major vendetta with Black Panther's African nation. While there is still plenty of mysteries to be unfurled, the new Black Panther 2 trailer does provide a few key details which may reveal the source of the tensions between the two mighty kingdoms.
Most of the new Wakanda Forever trailer focuses on the death of T'Challa and the loss of the Black Panther. As such, the majority of the trailer footage sees Queen Ramonda, Princess Shuri, Nakia, and more grieving the loss of their king while also celebrating his life with a Wakandan funeral - which will no doubt be a fitting tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. However, the trailer's introduction of Namor and his people offers the best insights into what fans can expect from the film's plot, which will culminate with a new hero taking on the Black Panther mantle.
Despite often being depicted as an anti-hero in the comics as the King of Atlantis, the MCU's version of Namor will likely be more misguided in his war with Wakanda. Whether it's through some slight Wakanda is unjustly blamed for or a third party working behind the scenes against both nations, the odds are strong that Wakanda Forever's conflict will resemble Captain America: Civil War, where the Avengers were manipulated into fighting each other by Baron Zemo before learning the truth. Here's what we know about Atlantis' war based on the new Wakanda Forever trailer.
How Black Panther Wakanda Forever's Trailer Teases The Cause Of War
Following the scenes in the trailer depicting T'Challa's funeral, Namor is officially introduced to the MCU. Wearing an Aztec-inspired version of his costume from the comics, the half-human, half-Atlantean warrior is seen leading several blue-skinned Atlanteans into battle on what looks to be the shores of Wakanda. Riding whales and flooding the throne room of Wakanda itself, it's clear that Namor is prepared to end the powerful nation once and for all. One of the most intense moments from the new trailer sees Wakanda's Dora Milaje leaping down to engage in battle with multiple Atlantean warriors who are presumedly infiltrating the African nation.
However, the primary clues about the initial cause of Atlantis' war with Wakanda are the shots featuring some sort of Wakandan facility or lab disguised as an oil rig sitting in the middle of the ocean. As such, Wakanda may be potentially searching for more vibranium in the sea, or even a means to regrow the heart-shaped herb which gives the Black Panther their power (which were all destroyed by Killmonger in the first Black Panther). Either way, this facility could potentially be seen as an intrusion upon Namor's kingdom, especially if something disastrous occurs - with the facility appearing to be attacked by unknown soldiers.
Who Is Black Panther 2'S Secret Villain?
While the identities of these soldiers are currently unknown, their attack looks to be one of purpose, as they are seen coercing Wakandans to unlock some sort of high-tech device. This could warrant a response from Atlantis if it proves a threat to Namor and his undersea nation. As such, Wakanda could easily be blamed if an incident occurs. This could be precisely what some yet-to-be-revealed villain wants: creating war and damaging relations between the world's most powerful nations.
The classic Namor villain Attuma has been confirmed for Wakanda Forever and could certainly be the one manipulating events behind the scenes. Desiring the crown of Atlantis for himself, Attuma could be presented as an ally to Namor, who secretly wants to take his place following his potential death in a battle with Wakanda's warriors. However, these soldiers attacking the base are human. As such, it's possible that a rival nation such as Latveria could be behind the attack on the orders of Doctor Doom, providing a dynamic MCU debut for the Fantastic Four villain and dictator of the European nation. Likewise, Attuma and Doctor Doom have joined forces in the comics before. Perhaps by working together, they'll hope to eliminate both Wakanda and Namor simultaneously. While this is all just conjecture and theory at the moment, a nefarious third party or secret villain will likely be the true cause of the war seen in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever/Black Panther 2 (2022)
Release Date: Nov 11, 2022
