The following contains spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, currently in theaters.

The already-successful Marvel Cinematic Universe hit, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, nearly features an unexpected power couple in two of its main characters. Unfortunately for fans that ship Shuri and Namor, there's no clear romantic relationship between them in the Black Panther film. This doesn't change the fact that there's a tense connection between the two characters, nor does it stop fans from imagining what could happen between the powerful duo.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the sequel to the groundbreaking 2018 film Black Panther. It follows the aftermath of beloved actor Chadwick Boseman's tragic death and the subsequent demise of Black Panther's King T'Challa. Despite such a tragedy, the kingdom of Wakanda is, for the most part, thriving. The leaders of Wakanda, Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M'Baku, Okoye, and the Dora Milaje, are forced to defend their home from new enemies while still grieving what they lost and celebrating Wakanda's new beginnings.

Related: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Guide - News, Easter Eggs, Reviews, Theories and Rumors

Wakanda Forever Hints at a Connection Between Shuri and Namor

Shuri and Namor in Black Panther Wakanda Forever split image

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is not a romantic film by any means, as it's more focused on grief. But there are plenty of signs pointing towards a semi-romantic connection between Shuri and Wakanda's latest enemy, Namor, throughout Wakanda Forever. So, it's understandable why fans are going wild over this pairing.

It's apparent that Namor and Shuri are enemies right off the bat. This is because Namor rules the underwater nation of Talokan, a rival that's also fighting to protect its vibranium supply. As enemies do, Namor kidnaps Shuri, but he doesn't treat her poorly during her captivity. He actually treats her very highly, giving her gifts, such as a custom dress and his mother's bracelet, and granting her a tour of his kingdom's capital. Whether he was simply seeking a political alliance or something more, these moves are not to be taken lightly. This is especially true when paired with his offer to burn the world down with her. Fans have been quick to point out that this request feels quite similar to a marriage proposal.

Related: Wakanda Forever: How Namor's Origin Differs From Marvel Comics

Why Shuri and Namor Would've Made an Interesting Couple

shuri avengers

Such a relationship would certainly change the trajectory of Wakanda's future, as it would presumably merge the kingdoms of Wakanda and Namor's Talokan or at least make them close allies. It's understood that Talokan and Wakanda are the only areas that contain the precious and powerful resource vibranium. So this, of course, would make both nations even more powerful. Besides that, a relationship like that could also change Shuri as a person almost entirely.

Throughout Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri is a character with a very high moral standing. She, unlike Namor, is nowhere near a morally-grey character. Aside from Namor being a complete gentleman in his treatment of Shuri, he's not a very good person. This is proven as he attacks Shuri's home country, Wakanda, and kills her mother, Queen Ramonda. Even so, his unspeakable actions don't seem to end his connection to Shuri. It can even be argued that he has some form of devotion to the Wakandan. After Shuri nearly kills him in the final battle, Namor is seen painting a mural representing their battle at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. So, Shuri being able to push aside her own morals and forgive Namor for his atrocious actions would likely mean a new version of Shuri in general. It's hard to tell whether this shift would be positive or negative for Wakanda and the franchise in general.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduced fans to Namor and brought on the powerful connection between him and Shuri. Through the grief and combat plaguing Wakanda, perhaps a new love affair could've blossomed between Namor and Shuri. This would make Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the Marvel Cinematic Universe just the latest film to add the internet-famous enemies-to-lovers trope to its story. Even if nothing ever comes of this strong romantic tension, there's no denying that Shuri and Namor would be the epitome of a power couple.

To see Shuri and Namor's connection in action, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now playing in theaters.