Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the final project of Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and there are quite a few movies and shows for audiences to rewatch to prepare for the Black Panther continuation. Black Panther made its screen debut at the start of Phase 3, but Wakanda’s protector has been little to see since after Chadwick Boseman’s tragic death in 2020. Looking back at T’Challa’s time in the MCU is a relatively easy feat because of the character. with a single solo film and supporting roles in other ensemble films.
Of Wakanda forever since it’s one of Marvel’s longest films, viewers will have time to catch up on the world of Wakanda, but it may be worth looking back at other projects where the character also appears. The Black Panther’s role in the Marvel movie’s timeline begins in 2016 and continues through the Phase 4 finale. There’s no need to rewatch the entire MCU for Wakanda foreverbut there is a selection of movies and shows worth re-watching.
Captain America: Civil War
The story of the late Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa and the Black Panther begins with: Captain America: Civil War. In the film, T’Challa’s father is murdered by Baron Zemo after signing the Sokovia Accords in Vienna, and Bucky Barnes’ Winter Soldier is blamed for it. The then-Prince of Wakanda joins Team Iron Man and spends the film hunting Barnes before realizing he wasn’t behind his father’s murder. It causes T’Challa to rethink his emotions and refuse to take revenge for his beliefs.
Civil war also introduces Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), a CIA agent who oversaw the regulation of the Avengers’ actions in the wake of the entry into force of the Sokovia Accords. Dora Milaje member Ayo (Florence Kasumba) appears in a single scene to help protect T’Challa after King T’Chaka’s death.
Black Panther
Black Panther sees a recently crowned King T’Challa attempt to capture Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), who has been on Wakanda’s radar for several years. After failing to do so, T’Challa is challenged by his long-lost cousin, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), for the throne and title of Black Panther. Killmonger’s advanced tactical background led him to defeat T’Challa in battle and become the new king of Wakanda. Although this doesn’t sit well with the Wakandans, T’Challa is fortunately still alive and eventually able to reclaim his throne.
Marvel Studios expanded its world-building with the introduction of Wakanda, which will remain pivotal during Wakanda’s war with Atlantis in Wakanda forever. Newer characters are introduced such as T’Challa’s relatives Shuri (Letitia Wright), Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Zuri (Forest Whitaker) along with other prominent characters Okoye (Danai Gurira), W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), and M’ Baku (Winston Duke).
Avengers: Infinity War
Steve Rogers goes to Wakanda for help to protect Vision during their fight against Thanos. This is the last time the public will see T’Challa as king in a lead role, but he is crucial as a leader when he takes on Captain America. Despite Wakanda’s large army, it’s not enough to stop Thanos. T’Challa, along with many other Wakandans, have disappeared from existence.
T’Challa’s latest live-action performance has arrived Avengers: Endgame during the third act when Thanos’ snap is reversed. Black Panther, Shuri, Okoye and the rest of the Wakandan army help Captain America and the Avengers in their final battle against an alternate version of Thanos. Wakanda is later seen celebrating victory at a parade, while T’Challa and his family look down on their people.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
The most recent appearance of characters from Black Panther is in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Disney+ series. After Zemo is released from prison, the Dora Milaje are warned about Bucky’s betrayal of Wakanda and give him a limited time to send him back. When they try to retrieve Zemo (who later escapes), they fight John Walker’s Captain America and shame Barnes for his misdeeds.
After Zemo’s escape to Sokovia, Barnes has him arrested by the Dora Milaje and sent to the raft for the remainder of his life sentence. Bucky is forgiven, and the folks at Wakanda make a Captain America uniform for Sam Wilson to wear in the show’s final episode. Although this does not necessarily have to be set Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverit’s a great supporting appearance for an audience that loves Wakanda and its people.
What if…?
While it may be an animated series set in alternate universes, What if…? features the last appearance of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa. T’Challa appears in four episodes as a version of T’Challa who was captured by the Ravagers instead of Peter Quill. Ravager T’Challa is different from Peter Quill because he has no alien DNA and he was never the king of Wakanda.
Alternate versions of T’Challa can also be seen in other episodes in which he is killed by Killmonger and another in which he is ambushed by a horde of zombies. What if…? is not a crucial series to watch to understand Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverbut it’s a touching farewell to Chadwick Boseman and his role as the Black Panther.
