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How BLACK PANTHER Sets Up the Future of the MCU

Warning: There are major spoilers ahead for Black Panther‘s post-credit scenes!

Ten years ago, Iron Man became an A-list superhero among casual comic book fans thanks to the very first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). But now, it’s Black Panther‘s turn in the spotlight, with a record-shattering opening weekend that’s propelled T’Challa into the stratosphere. Director Ryan Coogler‘s film is a true stand-alone story, with only a few apparent connections to Avengers: Infinity War. This edition of Nerdist News looks at Black Panther‘s two post-credit scenes and what they may mean for the future of the MCU.

Join host Jessica Chobot as she looks ahead to the very bright future for Black Panther and his supporting cast. First things first: where’s the bleepin’ Soul Stone? We’ve long suspected the last Infinity Stone would somehow play into Black Panther, especially since it appears a major sequence of the next Avengers film will take place in Wakanda. While Coogler has explained he didn’t feel the need for another MacGuffin beyond Vibranium, the special powers it bestows upon the heart-shaped herb and metal still lead us to suspect the Soul Stone is at the core of the Vibranium meteor.

Now, let’s get to those post-credit scenes. In the first, T’Challa has his own “I am Iron Man” moment as he stands in front of the United Nations to reveal Wakanda’s true nature as a super power. And we can’t help but wonder if T’Challa’s plans could include sharing Vibranium with other nations as well.

The very last scene in the movie wakes the White Wolf: Bucky Barnes. As shown in the Avengers: Infinity War Prelude comic, Shuri has cured Bucky of his Hydra brainwashing. He appears to be at peace in Wakanda. There is actually a comic book connection to the “White Wolf” nickname the children gave Bucky in that scene. T’Challa’s older adoptive brother, Hunter, was the White Wolf in Christopher Priest’s Black Panther run. Hunter was also the head of Wakanda’s secret police, the Hatut Zeraze, before T’Challa exiled him for his brutal tactics. It’s possible Bucky could forgo his Captain America destiny and stay in Wakanda for the inevitable sequel.

Are you excited about the potential directions for Black Panther in the MCU? Let’s discuss in the comment section below!

Images: Marvel Studios

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