WhileCaptain AmericaandThordirectly linked to the firstAvengers, andThe Winter Soldierset up the events ofAge of Ultron, it looks likeBlack Pantherwill be a similar catalyst forAvengers: Infinity War. Most of our Marvel coverage this week stemmed from Entertainment Weekly’s latest issue, but whileDoctor Strangehas been bathing in the spotlight, Empire magazine dropped this Phase Three intel within its pages.
Via quotes found byCBM, Marvel Studios PresidentKevin Feigesaid ofBlack Panther:
It’s a big geo-political action adventure that focuses on the family and royal struggle of T’Challa in Wakanda, and what it 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.
It’s difficult to postulate how the film will lead intoInfinity War, especially so early on, but the MCU head honcho further remarked how this character brings with him “all of Wakanda, which is a whole new setting and culture to explore.” At this point, the Avengers are well aware of Wakanda’s existence and the precious vibranium that originates there. However, the heroes will get a taste of its true treasure through the events ofCaptain America: Civil War—Chadwick Bosemanwillmake his debut as Black Pantherin the Russo brothers’ next outing before he spins off into his own movie on February 16th, 2018.
What will go down inBlack Panther?Ernie Hudsonhas been rumored for the role of King T’Chaka, T’Challa’s father, but mightAndy Serkis’ Ulysses Klaw factor in somehow? The notorious villain from the Black Panther comics has clearly been stealing vibranium from the nation. Would he be stupid enough to go back? Even if we look toInfinity War, we know next to nothing about the plot, except for the fact that it’ll very likely feature Thanos (Josh Brolin) as he gains control of the Infinity Stones and face an epic team-up of heroes. However, as we’ve seen with the MCU installments, each only loosely adapts the comic book arcs on which they’re based, electing to do their own thing.
In the meantime,CreeddirectorRyan Cooglerisin talks to helmBlack Panther, whileInfinity War, Part 1drops on May 4th, 2018, andPart 2debuts on May 3rd, 2019.
