When thetrailerforCaptain America: Civil Wararrived in November, we got our first official look atBlack Panther(Chadwick Boseman) in action. This beloved character will make hisMarvel Cinematic Universedebut inCaptain America: Civil War, before starring in his stand aloneBlack Panthermovie, which hits theaters on July 25, 2025. The movie was initially slated for release on August 22, 2025, but the studio later pushed it to early 2018, placing it right beforeAvengers: Infinity War Part I. Producer and Marvel Studios presidentKevin Feigerecently spoke toEmpire(courtesy ofComic Book Movie), where he revealed that this movie is quite important in the MCU landscape, and that it ties intoAvengers: Infinity War Part I.
“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. It’s a big geo-political action adventure that focuses on the family and royal struggle ofT’Challain Wakanda, and what it means to be a king. T’Challa’s story is very important to us as it links to the nextAvengersfilms, which is why we brought it forward.”
As of now,Chadwick Bosemanis the only cast member attached to star inBlack Panther, but a rumor surfaced in April that the studio was seekingErnie Hudsonto play T’Challa’s father, T’Chaka. Rumors have also surfaced that T’Chaka could either die inCaptain America: Civil War, or pass on his throne of Wakanda to his son at some point in the movie, but that has not been confirmed. Of course, the producer wouldn’t shed any light on howBlack Pantherleads intoAvengers: Infinity War Part Iquite yet, but hopefully we hear more about this connection soon.
The studio hasn’t confirmed a director forBlack Pantheryet, but a report from earlier this month claimed thatCreeddirectorRyan Cooglerwas close to signing on to take the helm.Joe Robert Cole(Amber Lake) recently came aboard to write the screenplay, although it isn’t known when principal photography may begin.Doctor Strangeis currently in production, withGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2commencing principal photography in early 2016 andThor: Ragnarokeyeing a summer 2016 filming start in Australia.
Kevin Feigealso revealed thatBlack Pantherwill have a “primarily African-American cast,” but he wouldn’t shed any light about any of the supporting characters that may be featured. We also don’t know for sure yet ifAndy Serkis' Ulysses Klaue, who was introduced in this summer’sAvengers: Age of Ultron, will return inBlack Panther, but it certainly seems likely, given his ties to Wakanda. Are you excited thatBlack Pantherwill help set the table forAvengers: Infinity War Part I?
