Marvel Comics has stirred a whirlwind of conversation and controversy with the recent debut of a new Black Panther in their 2025 release, Marvel Knights: The World To Come Vol. 1 #1. This fresh take introduces Ketema, a white, blond-haired man who claims to be the son of the late T’Challa, the iconic Black Panther. The character’s unexpected appearance has reignited a long-running meme linking Ryan Gosling to the role, prompting fans and critics alike to speculate on what this means for the future of the Black Panther legacy.
Ketema’s reveal comes at the climax of the issue, where after a ritual combat challenge against T’Challa in a flashback sequence, he unmasks himself to show pale skin, blue eyes, and blond hair. Declaring, “I am king now. Wakanda is mine,” Ketema’s bold claim to the throne of Wakanda has sparked intense debate. This is a stark departure from the traditional portrayal of Black Panther, historically embodied by Black African characters in both comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), most notably Chadwick Boseman’s beloved portrayal.
The character’s origins are shrouded in mystery. The comic hints at Ketema being the product of T’Challa’s relationship with Monica Lynne, but fans have questioned this lineage, given that both of T’Challa’s well-known love interests, including Monica Lynne and Storm, are Black. Speculation has swirled around whether Ketema’s parentage might involve genetic engineering, alternate realities, or other narrative devices common in comic multiverses.
This twist has not only sparked narrative intrigue but also reignited a meme that has circulated for years: Ryan Gosling as Black Panther. The meme originally surfaced around 2018, featuring Gosling’s face photoshopped onto images of Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther. It gained renewed attention in late 2023 when rumors briefly connected Gosling to potential MCU roles, although nothing concrete materialized.
Fans on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have reacted with a blend of amusement, bewilderment, and skepticism. Some see the Gosling meme coming to life in Ketema’s character design, while others worry about the implications of altering such a culturally significant character. As one fan tweeted, “Ryan Gosling Black Panther is now real,” capturing the surreal nature of the comic’s direction.
Adding fuel to the speculation is Gosling’s existing relationship with Disney, Marvel’s parent company. The actor is slated to star in the upcoming Disney project Star Wars: Starfighter, set for release in 2027. He also has a history with Disney, having starred in Remember the Titans and begun his career on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club on the Disney Channel. This Disney connection, combined with Marvel’s penchant for bold casting and narrative choices, has some fans wondering if Gosling might eventually be tapped to play this new Black Panther variant in the MCU’s evolving multiverse.
However, it’s important to note that as of now, there is no official confirmation that Gosling will portray Ketema or any Black Panther character on screen. Marvel Studios has not announced plans to incorporate Ketema into the MCU, and the current storyline seems confined to the comic book realm. The creative team behind Marvel Knights: The World To Come includes comic legends Christopher Priest and Joe Quesada, with contributions from Richard Isanove, Richard Starkings, and Tyler Smith, who have crafted a narrative that boldly reimagines Wakanda’s future.
Some fans and commentators have speculated about the symbolism behind Ketema’s character. A few have even suggested that the white Black Panther might represent a critique or allegory related to contemporary political figures, including former President Donald Trump. Interestingly, Gosling himself once participated in a satirical sketch on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2016, promoting fake “Trump-branded” knives in a parody segment. While this was clearly satire, it adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conversation about the character and actor.
Marvel’s history of race-swapping and gender-bending characters post-Endgame is well documented. They've taken bold steps to diversify and refresh their roster, often sparking both acclaim and backlash. The introduction of a white Black Panther, especially one claiming direct descent from T’Challa, is perhaps one of the most provocative moves yet, challenging fans to reconsider what legacy and identity mean within the Marvel universe.
Fan reactions have been mixed. While some embrace the narrative risk and the possibility of exploring new facets of Wakanda’s story, others express concern about the potential erasure or dilution of Black Panther’s cultural significance. The debate touches on broader themes of representation, legacy, and the evolving nature of superhero mythology in a multiverse context.
Ultimately, whether Ketema will become a mainstay in Marvel’s storytelling or remain a controversial footnote depends on how the narrative unfolds in upcoming comic issues and how Marvel Studios chooses to adapt—or not adapt—this storyline for film and television.
For now, the white Black Panther stands as a symbol of Marvel’s willingness to challenge expectations and provoke discussion, even if it means revisiting long-held fan memes and pushing the boundaries of beloved characters. As the story develops, fans will be watching closely to see if Ketema is a true heir to Wakanda’s throne or just a daring detour in the ongoing saga of the Black Panther.
