Wakanda’s vibranium resources have long been a source of intrigue and conflict in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and now Disney+ is bringing a new animated series focused on protecting them. Eyes of Wakanda will further expand on the fictional nation’s story, and is coming… probably soon.
On Tuesday, December 12, the House of Mouse revealed plans for Eyes of Wakanda, an animated television series set within the Black Panther universe to filmmakers, members of the press, and special guests who were in attendance for the screening of the first and third episodes of its upcoming show What If…? Season 2.
Per Disney’s description, Eyes of Wakanda will follow a division of Wakandan warriors whose purpose is to recover dangerous vibranium artifacts. Besides the confirmation of the project’s existence and the brief description, Disney did not provide any further detail about the show – meaning we know nothing about its cast, production, or release.
When the original Black Panther premiered in 2018, it set off a movement that would involve millions of people across the world. The film would go on to gross over $1.3 billion at the box office, win three of its seven Academy Award nominations, and break multiple records. It also gave millions of fans a real, frontline chance to feel represented and seen.
For Disney, Black Panther was significant, generating a dedicated fanbase that saw the 2022 sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, gross over $850 million and quickly become the most-watched MCU movie on Disney+, as well as discussions of a third installment.
That fanbase wanted even more, demanding a show set in the Kingdom of Wakanda, and creating a Change.org petition to press home its demands. This passionate response led Disney to announce two Black Panther shows in 2021.
One focuses on the rise of Okoye, portrayed by Danai Gurira, within the Dora Milaje, while the other explores the kingdom of Wakanda itself. While Eyes of Wakanda’s specific connection to these projects remains unclear, its arrival adds another exciting dimension to the ever-expanding Black Panther universe.
Despite the secrecy shrouding the project, Eyes of Wakanda has generated a lot of buzz among Black Panther fans – and MCU fans in genera. They will be hoping that more details arrive sooner than later, especially when Marvel is hurting for bigger wins after a string of disappointments.
The unveiling of Eyes of Wakanda came alongside the previously announced animated series X-Men ’97, which has been pushed back to the first half of 2024. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, formerly known as Spider-Man: Freshman Year, also received a title change.
There is no telling when Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man will arrive, although fans will be hoping it’s released sometime next year given it was revealed around the same as X-Men ’97. What If…? Season 2 will premiere on Disney+ on December 22, with a new episode following nightly until December 30.
What do you think of Disney’s Eyes of Wakanda announcement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
