Marvel Studios successfully started the third phase of their cinematic universe last year with the releases of blockbusters Captain America: Civil War and Doctor Strange. The films introduced a bevy of new characters to the ever-expanding world, many of whom made strong first impressions. Among the fresh faces was T’Challa, a.k.a. Black Panther. Thanks to a well-received turn by Chadwick Boseman in Civil War, many are excited to see the King of Wakanda take center stage in his own solo vehicle, which is due in February 2018.

Fans following the film’s development know that director Ryan Coogler has started rolling the cameras, thanks to some photos of cast members Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o appearing on the Internet. Now, Marvel has made the commencement of Black Panther principal photography official, releasing a new synopsis for the movie in the process.

In a press release, the studio shared an official description of the plot, revealing its place in the MCU timeline while hinting at an epic confrontation between T’Challa and Erick Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). You can check it out below:

Marvel also revealed the complete cast list. Joining Boseman, Nyong’o, and Jordan in starring roles are Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Basset, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis. Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Florence Kasumba, Sterling K. Brown, and John Kani fill out the supporting parts. Serkis will be reprising his role as Black Panther nemesis Ulysses Klaw, a character he first played in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Many had presumed Serkis would come back for this film, but this is the first time his involvement has been confirmed.

“Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his place as King. However, when an old enemy reappears on the radar, T’Challa’s mettle as King and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that puts the entire fate of Wakanda and the world at risk.

As for the synopsis, it’s very much in line with what Nyong’o mentioned back at San Diego Comic-Con 2016. From the sound of it, T’Challa’s authority will be challenged by a longtime foe, most likely Killmonger. In the comics, Erick’s family is exiled from Wakanda (after his father helped Klaw steal vibranium), which sends Killmonger on a path for revenge to eventually take the throne from T’Challa. It is unknown if the film is going to be based on a specific storyline from the source material, but the general gist seems to be quite similar. The main conflict is going to be a power struggle between two factions as Killmonger fights to gain control of the nation. That has immense potential to be a compelling narrative, and a great filmmaker like Coogler should be able to make it captivating and engaging.

Black Panther is shaping a “special” entry in the MCU canon. The film is loaded with talent on both sides of the camera, and it looks to inject some much-needed diversity into the franchise. For several reasons, moviegoers are greatly anticipating the project, and it’s only a matter of time before it premieres. Hopefully, everything goes well and Marvel has another lucrative sub-franchise they can continue for the next handful of years.

Source: Marvel Studios

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