With the popular rise of comic book movies, fan-boys (and girls) have become a little bit selfish and impatient; everybody wants to see their favorite character adapted to the big screen. When Marvel announced that its coming movies would tie in to a big finale in the Avengers movies, suggestions across the web started as to who should be In, and what Character should be introduced ahead of the movie.
So far, we've had Iron-Man, The Hulk, Thor and the upcoming Captain America; The Black Widow, Hawkeye, Nick Fury,War Machine, have been either introduced or alluded to in the three first movies (IM, HULK and Thor).
Questions about which heroes are going to be part of the Avengers, and those introduced in Captain America, are subjects to speculations; but in the bias view of Black panther fans, both the Character and his beloved Wakanda could and should be referred to.
Now, with the movie being released on July 22,2011, Marvel could very well surprise us with a slight mention of Wakanda the same way Fox attempted it in its Wolverine movie.In the event that neither Wakanda or Black Panther is mentioned of, here are a few ways and reasons it could or should have been done through Captain America: the first Avenger:
1- The Origin of the Shield
It is well-known by comic books fans that Cap's shield is made of Vibranium, a direct connection to Wakanda.According to several reports on the web, much focus will be placed on the shield in the movie. Worth mentioning also is that the shield has been having some cameo appearances in both Iron-Man movies. If Marvel goes through the entire Cap movie without even making a reference to the particular metal that makes Cap's shield, it will be a major departure from the source material and clear message that Black Panther is not in Marvel's current plans.
If Wakanda or Vibranium is however mentioned, it will be a great opportunity for Marvel to start launching the Black Panther, and prepare audiences for his own movie. Whatever happens, there is an existing connection between Captain America and the Black Panther, and this upcoming movie is or would be the best opportunity so far for the Black Panther.
2- Fighting the Nazi and the African mission
In the comic books, Cap' goes to Wakanda as even reported in the "Flags of our fathers" mini series. In the comic book, Cap' visit to Wakanda is linked to fighting Nazis, the same foe he'll be battling in the movie; yet, It is very doubtful that the movie will incorporate a mission to Africa, especially if we assume that the U.S and Howard Stark are already in possession of some Vibranium; moreover, a mission in Africa may force the writers to introduce the Black Panther. Although great if they do, it may too much of a weight on the story, unless...
3-Cameo of T'chaka
Again, it seems unrealistic that in Cap's introductory movie, Marvel will also introduce Wakanda and the Black Panther in a manner that is much more than a reference. Having Cap go to Africa may require introducing at least one angle of Wakanda that if it is to stick to the source material, will set the precedent for future BP movies. If Wakanda is introduced, the Black Panther has to make more than an appearance, and this will present a too early, too strong signal that Marvel seems not ready to make at this point,especially given that the focus should be on the Avengers movie .
One way it could work would be to have a small scene of Howard Stark acquiring Vibranium from Wakanda, or maybe have a teaser after the end credits where either Cap or Nick Fury pays a visit to T'Chaka.
Given the connection between The Black Panther and Captain America, it would be a wasted opportunity for Marvel not to make reference to the African King, but if they do it, and in a smart way, it could build the momentum for a Black Panther movie.
Another good thing is that eventually T'Challa, the current Black Panther will become an Avenger, so Marvel could do a number of BP movies before he joins the Avengers, who knows maybe in the 2nd or 3rd Avenger movies.
What is certain is that if it continues with smart moves, Marvel is on the right track, so we can all hope for a Black Panther movie soon or later.