After participating in Civil War, Black Panther is scoring his own solo film. What’s it about?
Now that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has established itself and is ramping up its epic phase 3, it can afford to introduce more heroes into the mix in order to back up the older characters in its roster. One of the more overlooked but no less iconic of these newcomers is Black Panther, also known as T’Challa, Marvel’s heir to the throne of Wakanda.
We’ve created this up to date guide to keep you up to date on all the info on the film all in one place.
[Update 12/31/15] We have new info from Marvel films producer Kevin Feige on the plot of the film and how it connects to Infinity War in the “What will the film be about?” section!
What’s the title of the film?
Black Panther.
Who’s writing and directing?
Joe Robert Cole (Amber Lake), an in house writer for Marvel, is tackling the screenplay.
Ryan Coogler (Creed, Fruitvale Station) is rumored for the director’s chair but there has been no official confirmation on that front.
What will the film be about?
Presumably, the film will be about T’Challa overcoming social and political strife in his homeland of Wakanda in order to become its rightful leader.
Here’s the blurb on IMDB, but it’s not exactly what you’d call official:
“T’Challa, prince of Wakanda, must rise to take the mantle of the Black Panther after his father, the king, is treacherously killed.”
In an interview with Empire, Kevin Feige discusses the arc of the film and how its story will play into the MCU… specifically Avengers: Infinity War:
“This one is important. Not only do you get an unbelievable lead character, but you also get all of Wakanda which is a whole new setting and culture to explore. It’s a big geo-political action adventure that focuses on the family and royal struggle of T’Challa in Wakanda, and what is means to be a king. T’Challa’s story is very important to us as it links to the next Avengers films, which is why we brought it forward.”
Who is Black Panther?
Here’s an excellent and quick rundown, straight from the official source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6vWD5TLtEs
What they’re not mentioning is since Wakanda is rich in Vibranium, T’Challa’s costume is lined with it making him exceptionally resistant to damage.
Isn’t Black Panther being introduced in Captain America: Civil War?
He is. Presumably, the events of that film set the stage for Black Panther‘s narrative.
Who’s in it?
Chadwick Boseman will be playing T’Challa/Black Panther. It’s also rumored that Andy Serkis will be returning as Ulysses Klaw.
How will it tie into the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
We actually expect this one to be a more personal story. The scale will probably be around that of the very first Iron Man, with the stakes centering on Wakanda rather than the rest of the Marvel Universe.
When will production begin?
Unknown, though given it’s the next to be released after Doctor Strange we suspect Black Panther will begin production just a few short months after shooting ends on the currently in production Doctor Strange. So, probably middle to late next year.
Anything else we should know?
We don’t know how much Black Panther will be in Civil War, but his characterization will set there. Rumor is he’s going to be something of a James Bond-type figure, which sounds very cool.
When will we know more?
Casting announcements should come next year. We should also be getting more official information as the start of production draws near.
When will the film be out?
The film is currently scheduled to be released on February 16th, 2018.
