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After T’Challa tussles with Captain America and his team, the two Black Panther movies delve into Wakanda and its fascinating history, including how the titular hero acquired his powers. The latest Marvel Studios project, Eyes of Wakanda, goes a step further by following War Dogs at different points in time, each serving a different ruler. Here are all eight of the Black Panthers that the MCU has introduced so far.
1) Bashenga
The first Black Panther opens with a history less about Wakanda. Thousands of years before the events of the film, the country’s tribes battled for control of vibranium, which they discovered had life-changing properties. The goddess Bast spoke to only one man, Bashenga, during the conflict and led him to the Heart-Shaped Herb. With his strength, he united the people of Wakanda, became its first king, and created the Black Panther mantle.
2) T’Chaka
T’Chaka is no longer the Black Panther when he makes his MCU debut in Civil War, which may be the reason he dies during the explosion at the Vienna International Centre. However, he did hold the title at one point, as seen in Black Panther, when he visits his brother, N’Jobu, during a flashback. T’Chaka kills his brother after he betrays Wakanda, making the ruler’s legacy a complicated one.
3) T’Challa
Following T’Chaka’s retirement, his son, T’Challa, becomes Wakanda’s protector. Sadly, he also has to become king shortly after his transition and deal with constant threats to his people. Almost immediately, Killmonger takes the throne and nearly uses Wakanda’s technology to kill people around the world. Thanos one-ups him by laying siege to the nation while trying to track down the Infinity Stones, dusting T’Challa in the process. However, the Black Panther returns stronger than ever and defends his people until his tragic death.
4) What If…?‘s T’Challa
In another reality, T’Challa never gets to consume the Heart-Shaped Herb, but he still becomes a hero. What If…? Season 1 features an episode about Yondu Udonta abducting the prince in the 1980s while looking for Peter Quill. T’Challa grows up to become Star-Lord and saves Peter Quill from his father, Ego, who wants to take over the galaxy. With a major win in his back pocket, Star-Lord joins the Guardians of the Multiverse at the Watcher’s request and helps defeat Ultron.
