The Black Panther mythology is increasing, due to a brand new animated anthology sequence, Eyes of Wakanda. A prequel to the Ryan Coogler-helmed Marvel Cinematic Universe movie sequence, the four-episode miniseries facilities on courageous warriors who search to get well Wakandan artifacts scattered throughout the globe. It’s a superbly animated and well-written present that not solely ties into BP lore superbly but in addition stands firmly by itself. With that, I’d now like to see one other MCU franchise obtain the same form of manufacturing.
Which MCU Franchise Deserves An Animated Offshoot Like Eyes Of Wakanda And Why?
Though there are many superhero-based franchises throughout the MCU, I’d argue that there are solely a handful which have really established distinct lore that’s price excavating. A type of is the Shang-Chi property, which kicked off with 2021’s The Legend of the Ten Rings. That story squarely focuses on the eponymous kung fu savant and his makes an attempt to confront his previous. Nonetheless, director Destin Daniel Cretton and co. additionally managed to introduce another cool characters and developments into the narrative.
Marvel Studios’ first movie to function a predominantly Asian solid thrusts viewers into the historical past of the Ten Rings group, which is led by the immortal, ten ring-wielding Wenwu a.ok.a. The Mandarin. An animated restricted sequence might middle on Wenwu’s exploits, which span a thousand years. Writers might additionally theoretically dig deeper into Ta Lo, the magical dimension that Shang-Chi’s late mom helped safeguard in opposition to outsiders. Absolutely, there are wondrous tales that may be instructed about that visually beautiful land and its inhabitants.
All in all, what I’m saying is that it is a culturally wealthy IP we have now right here, and a superbly animated present can be an effective way to increase upon it. Not solely that, however the company items may very well be in place for it to occur. Cretton now appears to be very tight with the creatives at Marvel, given he’s directing Spider-Man: Model New Day and is a producer on Marvel Man, which hits the 2025 TV schedule later this 12 months. Nonetheless, given the present state of his martial arts franchise, a present may be a pipe dream.
What’s Going On With The Shang-Chi Franchise?
There’s been plenty of hypothesis concerning the subsequent chapter within the Simu Liu-led MCU franchise. It’s lengthy been recognized {that a} Shang-Chi sequel is within the works, however work on that has seemingly been sluggish. Whereas the titular character headlined a 2024 episode of the animated sequence What If…? web customers have commented on his lack of visibility since his solo movie. Liu has been shutting down rumors relating to the sequel being canceled, however I, together with different followers, stay anxious for extra concrete updates.
One thing that’s recognized is that whereas Cretton oversees Tom Holland’s fourth Spider-Man film, Simu Liu is reprising his superhero position in one other mission. Liu will play the character once more within the upcoming team-up movie Avengers: Doomsday alongside various different energy gamers within the cinematic universe.
Regardless of that, the Shang-Chi franchise has been with out a new installment for much too lengthy. So, even when it doesn’t proceed immediately within the type of one other live-action movie, why not greenlight an animated prequel sequence to whet followers’ appetites? In any case, Eyes of Wakanda does additionally function a pleasant little bit of storytelling to tide viewers over forward of the now-in-development Black Panther 3. It could be silly to take action, however I’ll be holding onto hope that Marvel expands upon the lore of its resident martial artist utilizing an superior cartoon.
Within the meantime, stream all episodes of Eyes of Wakanda and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in addition to different MCU motion pictures and TV reveals utilizing a Disney+ subscription.