Chadwick Boseman will make his debut as Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with next year's Captain America: Civil War before heading towards his solo outing. The solo movie is scheduled for a February 16, 2018 release as the last MCU installment before Avengers: Infinity War – Part 1. That movie releases on May 4, 2018.
Not only is the movie the last one before the next Avengers movie, there's also connection between the two. That's what Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige claims! Here's what he said in an interviewed featured in the latest issue of Empire Magazine (via ComicBook):
"T’Challa’s story is very important to us as it links to the next Avengers films, which is why we brought it forward."
Black Panther was confirmed to release before Avengers: Infinity War - Part 1 when the original Phase Three timeline was announced back in October last year. But earlier this year, the movie's release date shifted to July 6, 2018 - which meant it would release after the first Infinity War movie.
However, they changed the release date and moved it ahead of the third Avengers installment again in October, 2015. Maybe for a span of time they didn't feel like there's enough connection between Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity Wars - Part 1!
Black Panther - A Big Geo-Political Action Adventure!
In the interview, the Marvel head honcho also went to discuss the focus of Black Panther. According to Kevin Feige:
"It’s a big geo-political action adventure that focuses on the family and royal struggle of T’Challa in Wakanda, and what is means to be a king."
Well, that's what one would expect. T'Challa is not only a superhero but also the leader of an entire African nation. So, a movie on him was unlikely not to be a geo-political action adventure. Feige further added:
"This one is important. Not only do you get an unbelievable lead character, but you also get all of Wakanda which is a whole new setting and culture to explore."
And don't expect HOLLYWOOD WHITEWASHING for Black Panther like the upcoming 2016 flick Gods of Egypt. The Marvel boss confirms the cast roster of the movie - which has not been announced yet - will remain "˜primarily African-American'.
Do you feel Marvel is heading in the right direction with Black Panther? Do let us know via comments!
