Previews of the new, insanely high-tech Wakandan vehicles to be featured in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have arrived, courtesy of LEGO's product pages.
In the LEGO set called "Shuri's Lab," Marvel Cinematic Universe fans can not only build King T'Challa's sister's weapons but also the Black Panther's "hoverboard" on wheels (albeit with the possessive pronoun "his," which might be a typo). Another set, called "King Namor's Throne," features a Wakandan Skirmisher sub that can battle the Atlantean warlord Attuma with blue stud shooters. The last set, called "Shuri's Sunbird," is a large Wakandan jet that "features hinged wings that fold forwards and backwards and two big engines on ball joints that kids can tilt and rotate." That set also includes mini-figures of Nakia and Riri Williams/Ironheart in a prototype suit. Notably, all three sets include Shuri, who, by way of merchandising, is believed to become the new Black Panther.
The Legacy of the Late Chadwick Boseman
With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on track for its theatrical release in November, these sets are just part of the many amazing toy license releases hitting the shelves. LEGO immortalized the iconic pose with a life-sized bust of T'Challa with his helmet and necklace. Additionally, The World of EPI will be releasing 11.5" collectible Wakanda Forever figures of Shuri, Nakia and Okoye.
Wakanda Forever will see the Wakandans face greater outside threats to their way of life as the nation reaches its darkest hour. A major part of the MCU story will be Shuri (Letitia Wright) mourning the loss of her brother, T'Challa; an aspect that will reflect the real-life passing of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.
"It was hard for me to imagine being on set without my brother," Wright said. "It was something I was battling for months. The confidence that [Ryan Coogler] felt that he heard Chadwick just give him that gentle push forward, to continue. And the way that Ryan would express that it was bigger than all of us, and Chad would have wanted us to continue. That really encouraged me."
Since its announcement at Disney's D23 event in 2019, Wakanda Forever has been plagued by difficulties reaching the big screen. In addition to the passing of Boseman, production was delayed by stunt-related mishaps by Wright. Additional delays were the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to media scrutiny over Wright's alleged unvaccinated status. The controversy almost derailed the MCU sequel. Wright later denied the anti-vax rhetoric. "The report spoke about my conduct on the set of Black Panther 2. I honestly assert that this was completely untrue," she said.
All three LEGO Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sets are scheduled for release on Oct. 1. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrives in theaters on Nov. 11.