Summary
Black Pantherquickly became one of the most beloved characters in theMarvel Cinematic Universeand could reappear at several points inthe MCU’s future. The character of Black Panther first appeared inCaptain America: Civil Warand has been an MCU staple since, earning two solo movies and playing essential roles in several Infinity Saga narratives. Following the character’s turbulent history within the franchise, the MCU’s new Black Panther could emerge in several MCU projects.
T’Challa, aka Black Panther, was played inthe MCU timelineby Chadwick Boseman until his death in 2020. Incorporating his death intoBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, the MCU nominated T’Challa’s younger sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright), to take over the mantle of Black Panther - much like in the comics. While theMCU’sBlack Panther 3is unconfirmed, this circumstance provides a litany of interesting opportunities for Black Panther to return to the MCU, taking into account both T’Challa and Shuri’s comic book history as the famed superhero.
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11Black Panther Will Likely Appear In Avengers 5
Avengers 5 Will Likely Be Another Epic Team-Up
Shuri is expected to return as Black Panther in the highly anticipatedAvengers 5.Avengers 5is set to be a monumental film, featuring an impressivelineup of 60 MCU characters,promising an epic convergence of storylines and heroes comparable toAvengers: Infinity War. This will allow Shuri to demonstrate her leadership skills and join the Avengers team, much like T’Challa did throughoutInfinity War.
Shuri’s Black Panther, known for her intelligence and innovative contributions to Wakanda’s advancement, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the unfolding events. Shuri also still needs to be integrated into the broader Avengers line-up.Avengers 5will be the ideal place to do so, bringing together the wider MCU cast and studying how they interact with Shuri’s Black Panther.
10Black Panther Will Presumably Feature In Avengers: Secret Wars
Avengers: Secret Wars Will Feature Most Avengers
Black Panther is also expected to make a significant appearance in theMCU’sAvengers: Secret Wars. The highly anticipated film promises to bring together numerous MCU characters in an epic crossover event.Secret Warsis known in the comics for itslarge-scale battles and multiverse-spanning storyline, where many Marvel characters are pitted against each other in a thrilling showdown.
Avengers: Secret Warswill provide a grand stage for Black Panther to demonstrate her strategic acumen and combat prowess.Secret Warsis intended as the Multiverse Saga’s grand finale and will likely continue refine the Avengers team established inAvengers 5.The movie offers the chance for Shuri to interact with more superheroes in the intricate tapestry of alliances and confrontations thatSecret Warspromisesto deliver.
Avengers: Secret Wars
Cast
Avengers: Secret Wars is an anticipated installment in Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, serving as the finale of The Multiverse Saga. Scheduled for release in December 2027, the film’s plot remains under wraps, fueling curiosity about its role in the expansive Marvel narrative.
9Black Panther Is Allies With Ironheart
Ironheart Was Introduced In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther is primed to feature in theMCU’s miniseriesIronheart, especiallyconsidering the character’s introduction inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever. InWakanda Forever, Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, formed a crucial alliance with Shuri, setting the stage for future collaborations. Moreover, Ironheart’s advanced suit was left in Wakanda at the end ofWakanda Forever, hinting at her inevitable return to the technologically advanced nation.
This return to Wakanda could provide an opportunity for deeper interaction between Riri and Shuri, further solidifying their bond. As Ironheart navigates her journey as a young superhero, theguidance and support of Black Panther could prove invaluable. Shuri, with her extensive knowledge of technology and leadership experience, would be an ideal mentor for Riri in theIronheartminiseries.
Ironheart
Ironheart: Following Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart introduces Riri Williams, a prodigious inventor navigating her path back in Chicago. Balancing her inventive prowess in creating iron suits with the enigmatic presence of Parker Robbins, known as The Hood, Riri finds herself at the intersection of technology and magic.
8Black Panther And The Avengers Will Appear In Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies Will Turn Many MCU Heroes Into The Undead
Black Panther is likely to appear in theMarvel Zombiesseries. This series, based on the classic Marvel Comics line and inspired by an episode ofWhat If…?, willdelve into a dark, alternate reality where a zombie apocalypse poses a dire threatto the Marvel universe. Given the significant roles played byBlack Panthercharacters Okoye and T’Challa in theWhat If…?episode, it’s almost certain that Shuri’s Black Panther will appear.
Shuri’s involvement will be crucial in the fight against the zombie threat inMarvel Zombies. Her scientific expertise and combat skills make hera formidable opponent for the undead and a key allyfor the surviving heroes. Audiences can anticipate her taking on a leadership role, coordinating efforts to fend off the zombie horde, and potentially discovering innovative ways to combat the infection.
Marvel Zombies
Released on Disney+, Marvel Zombies is the continuation of Marvel’s What If…? episode 5, where an animated version of the MCU is overrun by zombies.
7Black Panther Will Probably Be In What If…? Season 3
Black Panther Appeared In What If…? Season 1 & 2
Black Panther will certainly star in some form inWhat If…?season 3, which explores alternate realities within the MCU. Given Black Panther’s status as one of the main Avengers, Shuri will surely appear in various storylines.Shuri has actually already appeared in the series, though not since she became the new Black Panther.
The series has also included other characters who haveheld the Black Panther title, such as T’Challa, T’Chaka, and Killmonger. This precedentsuggests that some version of Black Panther will appearinWhat If…?season 3, continuing the show’s fun exploration of multiverse variants. Indeed, as the multiverse continues to be explored, numerous Black Panthers could appear in a single narrative.
What If…?
What If… ? is an animated anthology series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe which features fan-favorite characters, including Peggy Carter, T’Challa, Doctor Strange, Killmonger, Thor, and more. The new series, directed by Bryan Andrews with AC Bradley as head writer, features signature MCU action with a curious twist. The show sees Uatu the Watcher, an omnipotent being that observes the events of multiple universes from afar as they unfold, unable to interfere. However, things shift when an entity peers beyond the veil, jeopardizing the multiverse.
6Black Panther Has A Possible Connection With Daredevil: Born Again
Black Panther Once Stood In For Daredevil
Black Panther could potentially appear in the MCU’sDaredevil: Born Againseries, reflecting a storyline from the comics. In Marvel Comics, T’Challa temporarily takes over Daredevil’s vigilante duties in Hell’s Kitchen. The MCUcould adapt this narrative with Shuri’s Black Panther instead. In this narrative, T’Challa’s involvement in Hell’s Kitchen added a unique dynamic to the gritty, street-level world of Daredevil.
As the MCU begins re-exploring its street-level heroes, a connection with a top-tier Avenger could help establish characters. Shuri’s presence in Hell’s Kitchen wouldhonor T’Challa’s history even furtherwhile updating the MCU’s roster of heroes. After Chadwick Boseman’s death, incorporating T’Challa’s comic book activities into Shuri’s narrative can help provide the best overall Black Panther, drawing from both characters’ rich comic book heritage.
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again follows blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who uses his heightened abilities to pursue justice in New York. As he manages a bustling law firm, former mob boss Wilson Fisk navigates political ambitions, leading both men toward a confrontation as their pasts resurface.
5Black Panther Is Frequently Allies With The X-Men
Black Panther Is Married To The X-Men’s Storm
TheMCU’sX-Menprojectis another potential avenue for Black Panther to return to the MCU, drawing fromT’Challa’s rich history of collaborations with the X-Menin Marvel Comics. Notably, T’Challa’s marriage to Storm, a powerful mutant and member of the X-Men, made her the Queen of Wakanda and intertwined their stories deeply. Adapting this narrative for Shuri, the new Black Panther, could effectively merge the legacies of both Black Panthers and enrich the MCU.
Shuri’s involvement with the X-Men could be introduced through a storyline where she allies with the mutant team to tackle a shared threat. The fact that Shuri has already faced a mutant with Namor inWakanda Forevermakes this all the more probable. Furthermore, a new romantic or diplomatic subplot involving Shuri and a prominent mutant,reminiscent of T’Challa and Storm’s relationship, could help diversify the MCU’s line-up.
Marvel’s X-Men
Marvel’s X-Men is the tentative title for the future debut of the legendary Marvel mutant superhero team in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
4Black Panther’s Friendship With Ironheart Could Mean She Appears In Armor Wars
Armor Wars Could Require Ironheart’s Wakanda Suit
Black Panther could also feature in theMCU’sArmor Wars, where War Machine is tasked with safeguarding Stark Industries’ technology and preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. Given the central role of Iron Man’s legacy, it’s highly likely that Ironheart will also be involved. As Shuri is established as Ironheart’s ally,she may call on her friend for help.
More pertinently, Rhodey, as War Machine,might seek to retrieve Ironheart’s suit from Wakandaas part of a mission to gather Iron Man imitations. This could lead to a natural crossover with Black Panther, creating either a confrontation or a collaboration between the two heroes. Though all three heroes are expected to assemble first as part of the MCU’sAvengers 5line-up.
Armor Wars
Initially conceived as a Disney+ series, Armor Wars is an MCU movie centered on Rhodey Rhodes' mission to honor Tony Stark’s legacy and keep his Iron Man technology from wreaking havoc when they fall into the wrong hands. Starring Don Cheadle as War Machine, Marvel Studios' Armor Wars adapts the eponymous comic book storyline to the big screen in the Multiverse Saga.
3Shuri Often Partnered With The Guardians Of The Galaxy
The Guardians Of The Galaxy Are Expected To Return In Some Form
In Marvel Comics, Shuri has collaborated with the Guardians of the Galaxy, opening up the possibility of her appearing infutureGuardians of the Galaxyprojects. InGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, a new team was established, althoughonly Star-Lord’s return to the MCU has been confirmed. The potential involvement of other team members remains uncertain, but should they return, a storyline could develop where Shuri works alongside these cosmic adventurers.
The dynamic collaboration between Shuri and the Guardians of the Galaxy, most notably Groot and Rocket Raccoon, was incredibly effective in Marvel Comics. The MCU would therefore be wise to recreate this in live-action, perhaps even as a way of cementing the new Guardians team. While it’sunlikely that Shuri would leave Wakandaunprotected, aGOTGcameo is certainly possible.
2Eyes Of Wakanda Could Include A Black Panther Flash Forward
Eyes Of Wakanda Will Depict Wakanda’s History
TheMCU’sEyes of Wakandais an animated series exploring various points in Wakanda’s rich history and its acquisition of vibranium. While primarily set beforeBlack Panther, it offers ample opportunities to include Shuri through bookend or flashforward sequences. Given Shuri’s integral role in the Black Panther legacy and her position as the current Black Panther, her appearancecan provide a modern perspective on Wakanda’s storied past.
Flashforwards could depict Shuri reflecting on historical events, drawing parallels between the past and present. Bookend sequences featuring Shuri could serve as a narrative bridge,linking historical tales to the contemporary MCU timeline- much like Uatu the Watcher inWhat If…?This would not only ground the series in the present but also highlight Shuri’s reverence for her ancestors and the importance of the Wakandan heritage.
Eyes of Wakanda
Eyes of Wakanda, released in 2025, follows a group of brave Wakandan warriors known as the Hatut Zeraze. Tasked with retrieving Vibranium artifacts, they embark on dangerous missions across the globe, confronting enemies of Wakanda in their steadfast defense of the nation’s legacy and resources.
