Black Panther is officially in theaters and we have some juicy tidbits to gleam from it for epic upcoming battle with Thanos. If you want to know what Black Panther means for Infinity War, you have come to the right place. Spoilers ahead.
Final warning: Spoilers are coming.
What Black Panther means for Infinity War
Wakanda United
We learn through N'Joba's story, how Wakanda came to be. That out of the 5 tribes that settled there, only 4 decided to live together and be united. The fifth tribe, refusing to join, stayed in the mountains. Their current leader is M'Baku, who not only saved T'Challa's life but also came to his aid in the battle to save Wakanda from Killmonger.
In a blink and you might miss it moment, we see that T'Challa has managed to accomplish something no one in the history of Wakanda has- he has united all 5 tribes. M'Baku is shown in T'Challa's throne room in a seat of honor, reserved for tribal leaders.
Watching the Infinity War trailer for the millionth time, I paused it at the point where we see T'Challa standing in front of the Wakanda army. And look who I found, M'Baku is there, ready to show Thanos and the Black Order what the mountain tribe is capable of! M'Baku is such a great character and definite scene stealer. I'm excited to see him back in action.
We also see Steve and Bucky to T'Challa's right. And I would bet that is Okoye standing directly behind him.
Soul Stone
The biggest WTH I heard about this movie was the seemingly obvious lack of the soul stone. I was alsmot 100% positive we would see the last of the Infinity Stones in Wakanda. The credits rolled, the two bonus scenes aired all with the Soul Stone still missing. Or is it? Hear me out.
Wakanda's heart-shaped herb is the source of Black Panther's powers, and it has some pretty intense properties. In the movie it is neon purple, glowing with a mystical quality, and possesses a lot of spiritual (soul) power. The Soul Stone, in comics canon, has esoteric powers, including the ability to send souls to an alternate dimension. Ancestral plane anyone? It also is able to reveal the deepest, most hidden parts of a person, something else we see in T'Challa's visit to the ancestral plane.
Image- Marvel Comics
I don't think the herb is the stone. It wouldn't work based on what we have seen happens when human beings come in contact with Infinity Stones. However, I think it is completely plausible that the plants are growing on top of whatever is holding the Soul Stone. Which would also explain why it only grows in the one, ethereal area of Wakanda. It's as if the stone itself, is somewhat leaking into the ground, imbuing the plants with a sliver of its power.
The White Wolf
We know from the new comic Avengers Infinity War Prelude, that Shuri has cured Bucky of his Hydra programming. In the final bonus scene of Black Panther, we see Bucky awake and looking at peace for the first time in, well, forever. He is not sporting a new arm yet, but my money is the one we see in the Infinity War trailer is a sick new vibranium one designed by Shuri.
The children call him the “White Wolf.” In the comics the White Wolf is Hunter, T'Challa's adopted brother and leader of Hatut Zeraze, Wakanda's Secret Police. The White Wolf is a formidable warrior and was always willing to aid Wakanda and T'Challa when needed.
The Genius of Shuri
Shuri is one of my favorite characters of Black Panther. Her knowledge and technological advances are going to be needed in the fight with Thanos. Black Panther's new suit has the nanotechnology that we find in Tony's Prime Armor. We know Tony is smart, but so far none of the other 47 different armor suits show this kind of tech. Maybe Shuri is the one who helps push his design to new heights.
At any rate, I know he is going to love her lab and all the innovations she has come up with. And I for one am so ready to see her put Tony in his place. It's going to be amazing. Side note: I also hope Rocket equally drags Tony's egotistical butt when they meet, like he does in the comics.
Want to talk more about Black Panther? Join my geeky friend, Jana of Whisky + Sunshine, and I over on Twitter for #MarvelMondays! Find us at @ThatAshleyErin and @WhiskynSunshine!
Avengers Infinity War is in theaters May 4th 2018!
Avengers Assemble! Get the latest Avengers news on Facebook | Twitter #InfinityWar | Instagram
So intense! I loved the movie and how they showcased Wakanda. It’s one of the best worlds you can see in MCU! I think it’s definitely a good transition to Infinity War and I cannot wait for it to all come together!
I need to catch up on ALL my Marvel movies before I watch Infinity Wars. I am so excited to see the Black Panther!
I have heard that this movie is outstanding. It is a movie that our family is excited to be able to see you. I cannot wait to we go to watch this movie.
I enjoyed watching the movie even if I don’t consider myself a huge fan of the MCU. I think it’s amazing how they told Black Panther’s story and how it’s going to affect the rest of the MCU. This is definitely an awesome explanation.
Hit movie all kids will be dressing like this for Halloween. Next all toys for Christmas.
Black Panther is breaking records and I am loving it! The movie is amazing and good catch on that unification of the tribes found in the Infinity War trailer. Now I have to go back and watch the trailer to see for myself. OMG! I am as giddy as my kids for Infinity War.
I have a lot of other Marvel Movies to catch before watching Infinity War! Black Panther is on my must see list, asap.
This movie looks so great and so exciting! I bet my friends are super stoked to see it as well: they’re huge superhero fans so I am sure they already saw it with me.
I am just so impressed with Marvel’s efforts to deliver great stories to us. So ready for Infinite War!
It means we have one heck of a movie coming in soon! Black Panther was such a great flick.
I just watched this movie last weekend.. very interesting story! I thought the movie was amazing! I can’t wait to buy the DVD.
Oh wow. Another movie to look forward to! I haven’t even seen Black Panther yet but I will, this weekend. This gets me really excited to see Infinity War!
Man! I wasn’t interested in the movie until I read your post. We will probably wait until it is on pay per view but we will watch it!
My dad will surely enjoy this movie. As a senior, he gets to watch two movies on Mondays and Tuesdays and he is always looking forward to these days. He adores this kind of film! Will let him know about it!
The Infinity Wars promises thrills galore. I have not watched the trailer yet. That is what I am going to do this very moment!
Wakanda is such a striking name and very memorable. I am sure my boys would love to see this in theatre.
I have heard such amazing things about this movie! I have not seen it yet but really want to. Every Marvel movie has been great and this one has such a strong story behind it.
Black Panther was absolutely my favorite move. Chadwick Bozeman definitely knows how to play his character as king T’Challa.
I’m such a huge Marvel fan and Black Panther is amazing, and I can’t wait for Infinity War.