Black Panther: ‘Civil War’ Success For Marvel Hinges On African Superhero

Was that Black Panther? Civil War fans need an explanation. The trailer was the first real introduction to Black Panther. Civil War will flesh out his future for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as Chadwick Boseman has already signed on for five movies.

But people want to know exactly how he fits into the conflict between a superhero team split down the middle. If Captain America leads a rebel Avengers squad, and Iron Man leads a team acceptable under the new governmental regulations, then where does the far-off, isolated Black Panther fit into this? And why does he even bother to enter the conflict?

This rules. #BlackPanther #CivilWar pic.twitter.com/fhOLi4sBGr

— Comic Book Resources (@CBR) November 25, 2015

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, viewers were taken to Wakanda, the isolated locality which is home to Black Panther. Marvel showed this via Ulysses Klaw and Ultron, when they were exploiting the place for the mystical vibranium resource. Black Panther’s connection to Captain America: Civil War is sure to involve more foul play related to vibranium. Maybe he is trying to get back what was taken from his homeland.

As Cinema Blend makes clear, the trailer shows him chasing after the Winter Soldier. But also from the trailer, and from the end of Ant-Man, it’s obvious that the Winter Soldier is no longer among the bad guys. Whether or not Black Panther realizes that or cares is another story. The Winter Soldier must have messed with the vibranium supply at some time or other.

But Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has already stated that Black Panther is not totally connected to the central conflict of Civil War, at least at first. So he probably won’t appear immediately. It was rumored that he would be taking over Spider-Man’s role as it played out during the Civil War comics storyline. That wouldn’t make much sense at this point, because Spider-Man is scheduled to appear. Unless Spidey’s role has been severely minimized, he’s likely to still be a key player.

But Black Panther is getting his own movie in 2018. And since he’s never been on screen before, why introduce him now? A solo film is likely to contain an origin story. Unless Civil War contains a highly rushed origin story, stuck in between the numerous other superheros battling over registration with the government, what would be left for a solo film? But fans want to see fan favorite Black Panther. Marvel didn’t have the luxury of waiting before getting him involved.

‘Creed’ Director on Whether Marvel’s Black Panther Needs a Black Director – https://t.co/eYupPaoKDg pic.twitter.com/4IEiWKmoxH

— Screen Rant (@screenrant) November 23, 2015

Kevin Feige told Birth.Movies.Death what role Black Panther might play.

“The reason we introduced him in Civil War is because we needed a third party. We needed fresh eyes who wasn’t embedded with the Avengers and who has a very different point of view than either Tony or Steve. We said, ‘We need somebody like Black Panther… why don’t we just use Black Panther?’ That’s how it went in the development process.”

Not only will movie watchers see T’Challa, the identity behind Black Panther, but they may also see his tribal chieftain father, T’Chaka. A very prominent black actor will possibly play the role.

Feige further explained to Birth.Movies.Death why the father and son may reverse their isolationist policies in Wakanda.

“Today, pre-Civil War, post-Ultron I think he and his father are saying, ‘A bunch of vibranium just got out of here and wreaked a lot of havoc. Maybe we can’t stay behind these borders anymore, maybe we have to stick our heads out and make at least an attempt to be a part of the rest of the world right now, while at the same time protecting our people.’ That’s sort of where we meet him in Civil War.“

Marvel certainly has something dynamic in store for Black Panther. Civil War will be his springboard for further action in the films to follow.

[Image via Marvel]