A lot of press has been given to the possibility of a black panther movie. Recently, Stan Lee alluded to a Black Panther movie being in development. As a fan of the Black Panther, I would like to give my sugguestions as to what could make the movie truly one for the history books as well as proivde some depth to the marvel cinematic universe.
1. Wakanda's Back Story
Use this movie to go into the back story of Wakanda. Link Wakanda's technology to ancient Egypt. Have Wakanda be a colony of the ancient Egyptians that broke away from Egypt when Egypt started going into decline. Explain how the stumbled on the vibranium mound thousands of years ago (this differs from established cannon but could work for the MCU). Have the oral history be that the mound was guarded by mutated/genetically enhanced black panthers changed by the radiation from the vibranium. The founder, Bashenga, could be a Egyptian general who was able to pacify the panthers. As a result of this act his followers crowned him King and started the Wakadan royal bloodline-okay that maybe a bit much but you get the point.
2. Black People and the World Security Council
Use the movie to explain why there are no black people on the World Security Council. Have Wakanda, be a former member under T'Chaka, (or at least courted by the council), however, Wakanda left the council because of their intelligence discovered the Hydra infiltration.
3. Black Panther Super Powers
Give Black Panther Captain America level super powers (or a little more to account for the mystical elements of his power) from the palm shaped herb. The Ultimate Avengers animanted move part 2, shows the ability for the Kings to become panther like-this movie needs some of that. Under extreme conditions Black Panther inner panther comes out. The MCU is going int the mystical territory and some of the Panther's ability should explore this aspect.
4. Lupita Nyong'o
Cast Lupita Nyong'o as Shuri. Now.
5. Central Plot
Have the plot revolve around an attack by enemy forces against the Wakandan vibranium mound. Have Claw be the main villian and have him be contracted by mysterious forces to secure the mound. The sources should link back to Hydra who is being manipulated by Thanos. The movie's second act should show Claw recruiting all the escaped villians from the destroyed S.H.I.E.L.D facilities to mount an epic invasion of Wakanda.
6. Unconquered Wakanda
Show that Wakanda had been invaded by the Skrulls and the Kree during World War II (two separate attacks) and was able to defeat them under T'chaka's leadership. This elevated T'caka to legendary status in Wakanda exceeding even that of its founder (this could feed a subplot aobut T'challa not feeling worthy to live up to his father's legacy). Also have it that T'Chaka defeated a secret mission by Captain America who was sent with the Howling Commandos to secure some additional vibranium. Since that time they have become hyper militarized and have been preparing for apocalyptic battle on earth. Basically have the Wakandans be far more aware of the cosmic side of Marvel than everyone else on earth.
7. Black Panther Guards
Have the Black Panthers have real enchanced panthers (descended from the orginal panthers that guarding the vibranium mound) guarding the the throne room as well as the vibranium mound. This would make for some amazing action sequences during the invasion of Wakanda in the final set piece. They could use real leopards and enhance their size using CGI similar to what Game of Thrones does with the Dire Wolves.
8. Black Panther's Suit
Make Black Panther's suit bullet proof and able to reflect light (stealth mode) allowing him to appear to disappear in low light when he activates that feature. Also have him have a vast array of vibranium based gadgets that show off his genius level intellect.
9. Have Captain America discover the plot and try to warn Wakanda of the invasion.
10. End the film with Wakanda almost defeated until the battle is joined by Captain America, Falcon, Hawkeye and Black Widow. At the end of the move T'Challa is now convinced that Wakanda must end its isolation and seek assistance from the Avenger team. End credit scenes should show some of the dead villians army transforming back into Skrulls. This shows involvement of a cosmic scale (aka Thanos).
These are just a few sugguestions. I will not address the casting of the Black Panther as that can be for another article.
I hope everyone enjoyed this and I look forward to hearing feedback. Also, to Kevin Feige and Joss Whedon, I am available to consult on the project and will even write the script if requested (got to put it out in the universe!) .
I think that I am safe in saying that Black Panther, if done right could have Batman level impact for the MCU and could usher in a golden age in the portrayal of characters of African descent.
About The Author:
Attorney, Activist, Artist, Author, and long time comic book reader and comic book cartoon character watcher.