Black Panther is full of black joy and a huge chunk of that is thanks to one particular princess: Shuri. Portrayed by Letitia Wright, Shuri is the youngest child of T’Chaka (John Kani) and Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and the snarky, yet supportive sister of T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). Wright illuminates as the one of the film’s major breakout stars, perfectly packaging the Marvel film with the necessary and deftly-timed comic relief.

Along with her infectious wit, Shuri embodies the genius that will inspire many black girl STEM hopefuls to come. Plus, she’s officially a Disney princess! How major is that?! As the film celebrates a groundbreaking opening holiday weekend, audiences can’t help but be impacted by Shuri’s powerhouse spirit.

Photo: Marvel
Photo: Marvel

Other than Wright’s charisma, what made Shuri so compelling was her dialogue. When you think of memorable lines, Shuri’s dialogue will surely dominate the list. What lines stood out the most, you ask? Glad you asked. Let’s formerly celebrate Shuri’s contribution to pop culture…

 

  • “Don’t scare me like that colonizer!”

Arguably the most memorable moment in the entire film, which is saying a lot given the beautifully choreographed scenes of this action-packed superhero film. Agent Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), who is white, wakes up from his medically-induced coma and approaches Shuri who utters the most perfect and apt line. Shuri, you win.

 

  • “Yay, another broken white boy for me to fix.”

Again with the unmatched wit. Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and T’Challa bring in Agent Ross for vibranium induced healing and as soon as Ross enters the room, Shuri pretty much says what we’re all thinking. Black people — especially women — STAY fixing everything. You’re welcome. Not to mention, there was a hidden nugget in this line. Another broken white boy for me to fix. Bucky Barnes? Yeah. We peeped. 

 

Photo: Marvel
Photo: Marvel

 

  • “The real question is… ‘What are thoooose?!’”

Shuri was super excited to show T’Challa the new shiny updates for his suit and weaponry and naturally, T’Challa had questions. He asked, “what is this,” concerning one piece of equipment and Shuri bust out with the popular meme to roast his sandals. It was completely unexpected and an extra refreshing moment in an otherwise emotionally-wrought film.

Photo: Marvel
Photo: Marvel

 

  • “This corset is really uncomfortable, so can we all wrap this up and go home?”

The ritual combat scenes were really intense, so of course here comes Shuri with the applicable comic relief. Zuri (Forest Whitaker) asked the crowd of various villages whether anyone had any objection to T’Challa assuming his rightful place to the royal throne. Shuri raised her hand and uttered the line about her corset.

 

  • “When you said you would take me to California for the first time, I thought you meant Coachella!”

This gem was one of Shuri’s last lines of the entire film and man did she go out with a bang! At the end of the film, T’Challa and Shuri headed to Oakland, California to reveal that T’Challa had decided to give back by opening a Wakanda international community outreach center. Once again, during an emotional scene (this time, very feel-good and awww-worthy), Shuri comes with her silly snark.

 

Shuri is a treasure, okay?! Wright and her character are set to appear in Avengers: Infinity War as well, so hopefully we will se a lot of her in the MCU from now on. 

 

Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis.

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay.

Black Panther is in theaters now.