'Wakanda Forever': Lupita Nyong'o was considered for new Black Panther - Insider

The writer explained: "We would kick around the ideas, and try to extrapolate where the story goes and what's the most impactful choice — what's the best journey?

Nakia would've been an interesting choice for Black Panther, especially with her experience as a spy, but it's clear the focus of her arc was about setting up the end reveal of T'Challa's son, Toussaint (Divine Love Konadu-Sun). 

The writer added: "In the comics, Shuri is Black Panther and there's a natural organicness, I guess is the best way to say it, to her becoming Panther