When Marvel's "Captain America: Civil War" arrives later this year, fans will be introduced to a few new characters. Although fans are most excited for Tom Holland's Spider-Man, it is Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, a.k.a. Black Panther, that will be the more important figure in "Civil War."
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, T'Challa is the leader of the fictional African country of Wakanda (where Ultron got his vibranium from) who makes his way to the U.S. on his own mission. What that mission is, however, remains a mystery. Rumors have circulated that he's after The Winter Soldier, which is why he's shown fighting on Iron Man's team. However, Boseman says there is more to it than that.
"[He's] not on anybody's team," the actor told Empire Magazine of his role in "Civil War." "It's my political mission to tame it and get it under control."
Boseman explained that Black Panther, despite the cool costume and fighting skills, is not your typical superhero taking down bad guys. He's someone with his own agenda.
"Captain America: Civil War" will find our heroes divided over a central issue. Following the events of "Avengers: Age of Ultron," the governments of the world have passed the Sokovia Accords, legislation that will bring superheroes under governing oversight. Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark will support this regulation, while Chris Evans' Steve Rogers believes that it infringes on civil liberties. Black Panther may be working with Iron Man to get to Bucky Barnes, but it doesn't seem as if he much cares about the overarching issue of superhero autonomy.
This mirrors the character in the comics as the Black Panther title is a Wakandan tradition and not a form of vigilante justice. It is only when T'Challa leaves Wakanda and joins the Avengers is he viewed as a superhero. Otherwise, he's just a political leader trying to do the right thing for his people.
It will be interesting to see how that all plays out and how it impacts the growing Marvel Cinematic Universe.
"Captain America: Civil War" will arrive on May 6, and a "Black Panther" solo movie is scheduled for July 6, 2018.
