Black Panther is set to debut in Marvel's Cinematic Universe in May and in line with this, "Black Panther" film writer Joe Robert Cole voiced his thoughts on why the Wakandan Avenger is pivotal to Marvel's overall film storyline.
In his interview with Mother Jones, Cole said that "Black Panther" was a historic opportunity to be part of something important and special, particularly at a time when African Americans were affirming their identities while dealing with vilification and dehumanization. The "Black Panther" writer added that the image of a black hero on this scale was just really exciting.
Bringing a black superhero to the silver screen means a prime moment for people of color, as per Cinema Blend. According to the publication, "Black Panther" comes at an incredibly volatile time in American history about race dynamics. It has been also indicated that the presence of the Wakandan superhero would resolve accusations of police brutality, improper incarceration of African Americans, and lack of representation within cultural institutions.
With Black Panther's inclusion in Marvel's Cinematic Universe, it is assumed that people would have the power to effectively convey a type of culture and character in a sort of superhero that has not yet been seen on the big screen before.
Black Panther is not the first superhero of color in Marvel's Cinematic Universe, since, in the small screen, Luke Cage has been incorporated in Netflix's "Jessica Jones" and is set to have his own television series. Also, DC's Cinematic Universe also has Ray Fisher to play Cyborg, who is part of "Justice League" films, as well as in Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."
For a base background, Black Panther's alter ego is T'Challa, the son of Wakandan king T'Chaka. Cradled in Africa, the island of Wakanda is abundant in the mineral called vibranium, which is used to craft Captain America's shield and Ultron's indestructible body. Previous reports also revealed that Black Panther's suit contains vibranium, which suggests that his foes should not take him easily because the mineral can deflect their attacks.
Chadwick Boseman is set to debut Black Panther in Joe Russo and Anthony Russo's upcoming Marvel Comics film "Captain America: Civil War," prior to his solo "Black Panther" film. In the Russos' film, Black Panther is set to team up with Iron Man, Black Widow, War Machine, and Vision as they counter Captain America's team, which includes the Hawkeye, Winter Soldier, Falcon, Ant-Man, and Agent 13. Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man are also featured in the film while Thor and the Hulk are set to appear in Taika Waititi's upcoming "Thor: Ragnarok."
The Russos' "Captain America: Civil War" is set to premiere in theaters in the United States on May 6 while Coogler's "Black Panther" hits theaters on Feb. 16, 2018.
Watch the "Captain America: Civil War" Super Bowl trailer here.
