10 Actors Who Could Play Black Panther In The Sequel
6. Old: Lupita Nyong'o
T'Challa's on-again, off-again flame, Nakia was one of the first to push T'Challa toward establishing a more open, inclusive, globally-involved Wakanda. Sure, Killmonger's upbringing - and the monster Wakanda's negligence created - seemed to be the ultimate wake-up call for the young king, but it was Nakia who pressed T'Challa about helping people around the world.
Nakia was always a humanitarian. We learned that about her in the first film, and while we've gotten no word about her potential return in the sequel, it would only make sense. She played a significant role in turning T'Challa into the man he is today. Her role in his life was only set to expand, with the two of them seeming to reconcile and acknowledge their mutual love for one another at the end of the first film.
If T'Challa is written out, where would Nakia go? What would her role be in the story without T'Challa? Wouldn't it be fitting to see Nakia - the one who fully embodies the ideals of governance and philanthropy that the late king only recently adopted - rise to the occasion and rule the way T'Challa would have wanted?