The following contains spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, now in theaters.
As much as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a self-contained story, as with any Marvel Studios property, it has to push forth other cogs in the moving machine known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sure, it deals with the passing of King T'Challa and the associated grief while handing off the Panther mantle to someone close. But it also teases a bit of the future to come.
Fans learn another Black Panther successor is organically in the pipelines, while Countess Valentina and the CIA subtly set up an arc of retribution for the Thunderbolts. Luckily, these don't detract from Queen Ramonda and Princess Shuri's story, who are processing trauma and rising as protectors. However, there are subtle signs in Wakanda Forever that could tie into Secret Invasion, teasing a key Wakandan hero as a Skrull and a dangerous future down the line.
Black Panther 2's Aneka Could Be a Skrull
In Wakanda Forever, Aneka is an outsider in the Dora Milaje and bucks tradition. She gives off a rebel vibe, keen on using tech blades Shuri made rather than the usual spear. And that's why Okoye chides her, as she wants her to respect their heritage, legacy and rules. Admittedly, the rest of Dora does it, so Aneka falls in line by the film's end.
However, in the final act, she seems pushy, probing Shuri on her visit to the Talokan empire and wanting to know more about Namor. She also insists on being near Shuri's side in the battle when Namor invades, when one would think she'd be with her beloved Ayo. Thankfully, Wakanda gets a truce with the Talokan, but again, Aneka has positioned herself in a key role, close to the throne and Shuri's lab.
In addition to living in a secluded cottage with Ayo, this makes her the perfect candidate to steal intelligence, mine info and spy on the Wakandans for the Skrull Empire. The movie makes it clear she's not one of them, so Aneka could be this inside agent, similar to how Talos did in Captain Marvel. He, too, cut that spy figure, gathering data when he embedded himself in key parts of the national security setup. And given actor Michaela Cole's star status from Chewing Gum and I May Destroy You, it's hard to see her taking a role that'd remain minor in the MCU.
Skrulls Could Be Seeking Vibranium After Black Panther 2
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From a strategic standpoint, Aneka being a Skrull makes sense. After all, the comics had Skrulls infiltrating all parts of society, including Wakanda. They wanted scientific tools to take the world power off the board, and Aneka could be the building block for that. Given there's no more powerful element in the world than vibranium, she could be seeking this metal for the shape-shifting aliens and access to Namor's kingdom, which also has the metal. There's also the Heart Shaped Herb serum Shuri recreates to become the Black Panther, which can be dissected to enhance the Skrulls or make Super-Skrulls.
Both nations are powerful, so honestly, it'd be a brilliant tactic and explain why Aneka wants to know more about both empires. Aneka also loves disguises, proven when she hides in the Mali outreach program, helping trap and take out mercenaries. Ultimately, if the Skrulls want to take Earth, crippling its strongest bastions make sense. With Armor Wars hinting that they're gathering weapons on the surface, Aneka may be the key to doing the same in the isolated regions. She may well be duping everyone as she navigates this newfound and potentially vulnerable alliance that has powerful resources and a possible gripe with the surface.
To see Aneka's suspicious actions, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is in theaters now.