The much-rumoured Black Panther has finally been announced… and Chadwick Boseman has nabbed the title role.
Finally unveiled during Marvel’s mystery event at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, the upcoming Black Panther was apparently met with rapturous applause… and it wasn’t long before Marvel boss Kevin Feige welcomed Chadwick Boseman to appear as T’Challa – the first black superhero in print and now Marvel’s first black superhero to star in his own stand-alone film.
Boseman is perhaps best known for starring as American baseball player Jackie Robinson in the film 42 and James Brown in Get On Up. But now he’s been welcomed into the Marvel family by none other than Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans.
Appearing on stage with both Iron Man and Captain America, he was taunted to pick a side… and it soon became clear that Black Panther would make his first appearance in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War.
“He is definitively a big part of Civil War,” said Marvel boss Kevin Feige. “We will meet him for the first time in Civil War, in costume.”
But which side will Black Panther take?
“Black Panther is kind of his own guy,” said Boseman.
Of course, Black Panther is well-known as the first black superhero in mainstream American comic books. Eventually teaming up with The Avengers, that’s likely what will happen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“I’m blessed to be a part of this Marvel Universe, to work with you both, and to make magic together,” he said. And it looks as though we also get our first glimpse at the Black Panther costume thanks to some incredible new concept art.
“I like that Chadwick, for the most part… I’m glad that didn’t leak in earnest,” said Feige, “the way every single other actor in human history that is of a certain age has been for Doctor Strange.”
It’s certainly encouraging to finally see a superhero announcement that wasn’t really anticipated. And after coming under fire for their lack of diversity, it’s about time that Marvel tried to even out the balance.
Of course, with Black Panther and Captain Marvel both heading to the big screen, it looks as though Marvel is making real strides towards superhero equality. And Marvel’s Phase Three is looking better than ever.
While Black Panther fans are undoubtedly excited, can Marvel create a killer franchise from their more obscure heroes? For now, we’ll have to wait and see. But the buzz surrounding the Black Panther movie is incredibly encouraging.
What do you think of Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther? Will Avengers: Age of Ultron be his screen debut? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
