Black Panther: A Dire Fan's Theory
The Crown Prince of Wakanda has finally been confirmed. But how does Marvel plan to bring him into the fray? Continue reading for my not-so-expert analysis of the situation and potential theory behind how Black Panther, one of the more prominent members of the Avengers and one of the most brilliant minds in the Marvel Universe, finally gets his time in the spotlight.
Premise 1: Black Panther has been planned to be part of the MCU all along.
In the closing minutes of Iron Man's second outing (whether you enjoyed it or not), we are treated to a map containing a chronicle of S.H.I.E.L.D. encountering several metahumans. Regard the circle in the center of Africa. One thing I have come to believe about the MCU is that nothing is done unintentionally. Yes, they were lucky that Iron Man was not a tremendous flop that halted the fledgling studio's dreams. This single circle, however, was not just a easter egg; it was a prelude of things to come.
Several viewings of the
Age of Ultron trailer reveal a scene where Ultron (presumably) is getting an upgrade. We also are treated to a bearded and sweaty Andy Serkis looking menancing. I postulate that Serkis' character (as many of the fans of the MCU already have) is none other than Ulysses Klaw, nemesis of T'Challa. I believe Ultron ventures to the isolationist country in order to improve his armor to make himself invulnerable to the Avengers' offense. In doing so, the Avengers have no choice but to enter Wakanda and try to stop him. However, by the time they arrive, Ultron has already been shelled in vibranium. Regardless of the outcome, as we still do not know if Ultron is destroyed or not, I believe much of Wakanda will be destroyed. The outcry from the small dark continent country will spark the rest of the global community to impose some form of the Superhuman Registration Act.
Premise 3: T'Challa takes Spider-Man's position in Captain America: Civil War.
Longtime fans of Marvel's crossover events will recognize the subtitle of the latest Captain America film. In the comics, an incident in Connecticut involving She-Hulk and Namor sparks the country to implement the Superhuman Registration Act, which requires all metahumans to surrender their secret identities to the government and, if necessary, act as a policiing force. On the Pro-Registration side, there is Tony Stark. On the Anti-Registration side, there is Captain America. While a split between the heroes occurs, leading to some rather memorable battles, it is Spider-Man's position in the conflict that is of particular interest. Spider-Man straddles the middle, choosing not to take sides. In the MCU, this is not a possibility, barring a rather expensive (yet lucrative) and trusting agreement between Marvel Studios and Sony in order to depict the webhead in the film. I believe Marvel has already come up with a feasible alternative to the inability to include Spider-Man. I postulate that after the events of
Age of Ultron, T'Challa is caught in the middle. On one hand, we have the intrusion and destruction of his homeland by Ultron and the Avengers, prompting SOME form of action to be taken. On the other hand, is that enough to justify the MCU heroes to surrender their freedoms and do the world's bidding? We still do not know what form the Superhuman Registration Act will take, but I postulate that it will be global, and the events in Greenwich
(Thor: The Dark World), the aftermath of Project Insight (
Captain America: The Winter Soldier), and the near nuclear obliteration of Manhattan (
The Avengers) as well as the theorectical malifigance against Wakanda causes the global community to unite to hogtie the MCU heroes.
Conclusion: Black Panther's introduction into the MCU is a direct result of the events in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
It is my belief that Marvel have always wanted to introduce T'Challa in the MCU. The question of familiarity or race (and potential racial backlashes) has never really been a serious issue. Instead, Marvel have been trying to think of a way to bring him into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I believe that based on the events that transpire in
Avengers: Age of Ultron (if my theory is correct), Wakanda becomes the reason for Superhuman Registration Act and Black Panther's introduction into the MCU.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my first editorial. Constructive (or rude) criticism is greatly appreciated. And as a reminder, whether you are a fan of Marvel or DC, revel in this moment. We finally get to see our heroes on screen.
[EA] - "It's been a long way down."