Marvel Studios has the perfect opportunity to finally bring a missing element from T’Challa’s costume into theMCUif theBlack Pantheris recast. T’Challa is one of Marvel’s most notable and important superheroes, which made him an instant favorite in the MCU when the lateChadwick Boseman brought T’Challa’s Black Panther to lifeinCaptain America: Civil War. Boseman’s sudden passing in 2020 led to T’Challa being written out ofBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, however, leaving a huge void in the MCU.
According to insiderJeff Sneider,Marvel Studios is"firmly open"to recasting T’Challa’s Black Pantherin the MCU. This was avoided inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, as the sequel instead dealt directly with the cast, crew and audience’s grief of losing both Chadwick Boseman and T’Challa, but, now,the exploration of the multiverse means a new T’Challa can debut in the MCU. This new iteration could be vastly different from Boseman’s version, and could be even more comic-accurate than theMCU’s original Black Panther.
Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa Never Wore A Cape In The MCU
Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa Wasn’t Entirely Comic-Accurate
While Chadwick Boseman did an incredible job at delivering a T’Challa full of likable qualities and a charismatic and vulnerable personality, not everything about his character stayed faithful to the Wakandan protector from Marvel Comics. Notably,Marvel Studios massively upgraded the Black Panther’s costume for the live-action MCU, making it far more modern and armored, and, crucially, removing the cape.T’Challa’s Black Panther sported a capein his very first Marvel Comics appearance back in 1966’sFantastic Four #52, but this hasn’t been a permanent addition.
Many superheroes sported capes in Marvel Comics which were subsequently removed in the live-action MCU. While the likes of Thor and Vision retained updated versions of their classic comic looks,the Black Panther’s cape was permanently removed for the MCU, but recasting the iconic hero now presents the opportunity for it to be reintroduced. Debuting avariant of T’Challa’s Black Panthermeans Marvel can take some creative liberties with the new iteration, and kitting him out with a cape would be a great development.
What Other Black Panther Costume Changes Could A Recast T’Challa Make?
A New Black Panther Could Be Very Different
A cape isn’t the only addition that Marvel Studios could make to the new Black Panther costume if T’Challa is recast inAvengers: Doomsday,Secret Warsor theMCU’s upcomingBlack Panther 3. In fact, theBlack Panther has sported many different costumes in Marvel Comics that could inspire the hero’s new suit in the MCU, most notably, the Black Panther’s iconic sleek bodysuit outfit that has perhaps already been glimpsed in Bashenga’s appearance inBlack Panther. This is T’Challa’s most prominent costume in Marvel Comics, so would be great to see in the MCU.
After Recent T’Challa Recasting Reports, I’m Worried About The Future Of The MCU’s New Black Panther
While I would love to see T’Challa’s Black Panther recast in the MCU, these recent reports have me worried about the future of Letitia Wright’s Shuri.
Alternatively, theMCU’s new Black Panther could sport a half-mask costume, don a cloak inspired by his 1800s look, be depicted as more of a cowboy or take on his heavy-duty Man Without Fear design. The latter saw T’Challa operate as the protector of Hell’s Kitchen in Daredevil’s absence, which could be a fun story to explore following the upcomingDaredevil: Born Againseries. One thing’s for sure, recasting T’Challa’sBlack Pantherin the MCU creates some enormous and exciting opportunities for Marvel Studios.
Black Panther
Cast
Black Panther follows King T’Challa as he returns to Wakanda to assume the throne of the technologically advanced African nation. Faced with internal and external challenges, T’Challa dons the Black Panther mantle, uniting with allies to protect Wakanda from potential global conflict.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever explores the efforts of Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye, and the Dora Milaje as they strive to safeguard Wakanda from external threats following King T’Challa’s passing. Collaborating with allies like War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross, they seek to shape the nation’s future.
