We Have A Theory…Will A Black Panther Be in The Multiverse Of Madness?
The theory mill surrounding The Multiverse of Madness has been spinning frantically ever since the release of the trailer on Super Bowl Sunday.
With all of the potential that the multiverse holds for the return of some characters or the debut of others, the possibilities are endless. One of those potential possibilities is the return of one of the most profoundly beloved characters, the Black Panther.
Photo: Marvel Studios
After the adored Chadwick Boseman’s passing at the young age of 43, an intense vacuum has been felt in the MCU. While Shuri may end up taking up the mantle of the Black Panther in the sequel, many fans have been vocal in wanting Black Panther to be recast with a new actor at the helm, with even Boseman’s brother giving his support for a recast.
However, there is little belief that Disney will recast Black Panther anytime soon. Instead, the more probable option for seeing a new Black Panther is through a variant or alternate Black Panther. There are two strong possibilities in the form of Eric Killmonger or the father of T’Challa T’chaka.
Image: Marvel Studios
Why would a Black Panther variant/alternate show up within the multiverse of madness? The reason for this lies in the scenes viewed in the Multiverse of Madness trailer, in which Doctor Strange is being walked into a room with several individuals seated on a platform. General speculation has suggested that this is the famous Illuminati group featured in the comics.
In the comics, the Illuminati were a group of representatives for the various superhero communities or factions. The group consisted of Namor, Professor X, Mr. Fantastic, Iron Man, Dr. Strange, Black Bolt, and Black Panther. These 7 leaders were often the foremost authority in their respective superhuman area, Professor X for mutants, Dr. Strange for the magical realm, Black Bolt for Inhumans, etc.
Source: Marvel Studios
Amidst the potential return of Patrick Stewart as Professor X, and the deliberate reveal in the trailer of the group holding Strange in custody, there is a strong possibility of the Illuminati making a debut. Black Panther may indeed be seated among the members as part of this Illuminati group.
The general consensus for the Illuminati theory is that the Mordo that was featured heavily in the trailer is a member of the Illuminati council, with the additional voice reveal of Patrick Stewart potentially confirming a Professor X Member. This leaves around 3-4 members that may show up in the film.
Source: Marvel
If Black Panther does appear as a member of the Illuminati, with no Chadwick Boseman, who will adorn the armor and place of the Black Panther? That falls to two strong candidates who could be Black Panther variants and take their place as a member.
Erik Killmonger and T’Chaka are the two strongest candidates for variants. Seeing as Shuri will most certainly be taking a much more pivotal role in Black Panther’s realm of the MCU, a variant featuring a different Black Panther seems more likely.
Erik Killmonger as Wakanda’s Representative
Marvel
The difference at the core of T’Challa and Killmonger lies in the difference in their upbringing. T’Challa was raised in the Wakandan royal family, given all of the comforts of this royalty, and sheltered from the world outside of Wakanda. While Killmonger’s father was killed, harboring a deep resentment in Killmonger.
Perhaps in an alternate reality, Killmonger’s father does not die, resulting in Killmonger returning to Wakanda. Of course, Killmonger’s father was the primary reason behind his idealogy, which could be an interesting take on a Wakanda-raised Killmonger. Would Killmonger retain his father’s ideologies? Or will they mirror T’Challas?
T’Chaka’s Potential Return as the Black Panther
Image: Marvel Studios
Another option is to have T’Chaka return as the Black Panther. Elder T’chaka was played by John Kani, while his younger counterpart was played by Kani’s son Atandwa Kani during the flashback sequences. Having Atandwa Kani reprise his role as T’Chaka, joining the ranks of the Illuminati is another feasible option.
T’Chaka led Wakanda for many years, imparting his ideologies and values into his son T’Challa. T’Chaka is more than capable of heading the MCU’s multiversal-wide council of heroes should he and the Illuminati appear.
Source: Marvel Studios
While the rumor mills continue to churn regarding Doctor Strange 2, we hope the first film appearance of the Illuminati becomes a reality. Having such an iconic and interesting group join the MCU and deal with matters at the multiverse level is sure to add an extra layer of intrigue to the massive scope of the multiverse.
The Multiverse of Madness is only two months away! In what ways will the MCU be altered at the end? We are seething with excitement to answer that question and cannot wait until the movie hits theatres on May 6th!
