How many Black Panther movies are there in the MCU? A quick explainer

The Black Panther is one of the most beloved superhero icons from Marvel Comics. Centering on this iconic character, many movies have appeared since 2018. The Black Panther is not just a superhero but a gleaming symbol of culture, resilience, and bravery.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has boasted many legendary characters, starting from Iron Man to Dr. Strange, and Captain America to the Scarlet Witch. Most of these characters mentioned here had their own films. Therefore, in a vast (and ever-expanding) cinematic universe, it may get exhausting to keep track.

If you are wondering where the T'Challa films fit in the ever-expanding Marvel timeline, here’s a detailed deep dive into all T'Challa movies. If you are new to the franchise, worry not! This guide will give you a detailed understanding.

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The character’s first appearance

T’Challa made his first appearance in 2016, in Captain America: Civil War. Black Panther’s presence and introduction were extremely crucial to the plot.

The first appearance happens when King T’Chaka is fatally killed during a bombing at the UN speech; T’Challa takes up the mantle and swears vengeance on whoever caused the bombing. He eventually ends up joining the already brewing rift between Iron Man and Captain America.

This introduction was crucial for establishing the foundations of his character and letting his values be known to the viewers: he was the hero who always upheld loyalty, honor, and uncompromising protection of Wakanda.

Although Civil War was not a standalone movie per se, it laid the ground for everything that followed. T’Challa’s evolution starts from here, and eventually, we see him mature into a nuanced King.

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Black Panther (2018): a cultural and cinematic milestone

The first film featuring Black Panther as the protagonist came two years later, in 2018, directed by Ryan Coogler. This was a defining moment for the MCU and pop culture at large. Even as a fast-paced superhero movie, the themes were significantly nuanced and layered, starting from colonialism and Black identity to global responsibility.

It also highlighted the coming-of-age blending of technological and spiritual wonder of Wakanda, a nation that helps the superheroes in the later Infinity War saga. In this standalone film, T’Challa fights against Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), an adversary with concerns and disapproval for Wakanda’s isolationist policies.

The film did not shy away from raising a few unpleasant questions: Should Wakanda stay hidden or use its resources to help oppressed people worldwide?

Even though the film did not set exceptional scores at the box office, it was still a landmark, an icon in the pop cultural realm. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won three, including Best Costume Design and Best Original Score.

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Avengers appearances and T’Challa’s growing role

After the standalone film, T’Challa reappeared in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), this time with a far more enhanced contribution to the Infinity Saga storyline. His nation, Wakanda, became the raging battleground in Infinity War, and the iconic 'Wakanda Forever' war cry energized all who fought against the imminent evil of Thanos and his army.

T’Challa was one of the key members who got erased away when Thanos snapped, but who can forget his dramatic return in Endgame for the ultimate battle? The expression on Captain America’s face said it all.

His return marked a major shift in possibilities; the battleground did not look so hopeless anymore. These moments further solidified his place in the broader MCU’s core ensemble.

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022): grief and legacy

Tragedy struck the fans when legendary Chadwick Boseman, who brilliantly and almost synonymously played the character of T’Challa, passed away in 2020 after a private battle with cancer.

Rather than recasting and replacing his character for the sake of the story, Marvel incorporated his passing into the fabric of the story. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) begins with T’Challa’s passing, and thereafter, unprecedented grief falls on his family and Wakanda.

The story of this film centers on Shuri (Letitia Wright), T’Challa’s tech-genius sister, who has to balance things in a time of political unrest. Wakanda faces a new threat from Namor, the notorious leader of the kingdom of Talokan.

Through her character and the situation of Wakanda, themes of loss, vengeance, and finding strength through grief are portrayed masterfully.

Shuri eventually gets a grip and takes up the mantle of legacy, but not without internal struggle. Here, with this, the series enters a new tone and a new framework.

Recap of all movies (standalone) and appearances

• Captain America: Civil War (2016) – First appearance of T’Challa
• Black Panther (2018) – First solo film
• Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – Major role, battle of Wakanda
• Avengers: Endgame (2019) – Returns during the final battle
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) – Shuri becomes the new Black Panther

With reports of a Black Panther 3 in the pipeline, the franchise is far from over. Fans remain excited to see where the storyline is headed after the last film.

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Also read: Every Marvel movie in order – What to watch first and why