Marvel Studios plans to expand the Black Panther universe on Disney+ with several projects, including a Kingdom of Wakanda series and another focused on Danai Gurira’s Okoye character. These projects are a result of a five-year television deal between Disney and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media production company.
Rumored Animated Series: The Golden City
According to a rumor shared on The Hot Mic podcast by Above the Line’s Jeff Sneider, the Black Panther Disney+ spin-off series in collaboration with Ryan Coogler might be titled The Golden City and, surprisingly, be an animated project. The Kingdom of Wakanda series was originally assumed to be live-action, but recent information suggests otherwise.
Coogler’s Disney Partnership And Maglev Train Productions
Disney signed a five-year exclusive television deal with Coogler in February 2021 to develop a Disney+ drama set in the Kingdom of Wakanda. Maglev Train Productions was later established in July 2021 for the streaming spin-off. The Cosmic Circus (TCC) revealed that the working title associated with Maglev Train Productions is Golden City, which matches Sneider’s claims.
Advantages Of An Animated Wakanda Series
An animated Kingdom of Wakanda series could offer several benefits, including the ability to explore more expansive and visually impressive regions. Moreover, the animated format might enable the participation of MCU actors who might not be interested in live-action Disney+ roles. Marvel Studios’ success with the What If…? series demonstrates the potential for attracting top-tier talent for voice acting roles.
The Wakandan series’ focus remains uncertain, but an animated anthology format exploring various tribes, lifestyles, cultures, and characters across Wakanda could be an option. This approach would allow both new and returning characters to appear throughout the show.
Danai Gurira’s Okoye And The Golden City Series
A May 2021 Deadline report suggested that Danai Gurira’s Okoye would appear in both her own origin spinoff series and the Kingdom of Wakanda project. While plans may have changed, this information hints at her possible involvement in the animated Golden City series.
Despite the rumored animated format for the Wakandan series, fans might still experience live-action content on Disney+. Reports from late 2021 indicated that an Okoye series was set to shoot in 2023, suggesting a live-action project. However, changes at Marvel Studios could impact its status.
Growing Focus On Animation For Marvel Studios
Following the success of What If…?, Marvel Studios has increasingly focused on animated projects, even creating a dedicated division for them. Announced Disney+ animated series include more What If…? episodes, Marvel Zombies, Spider-Man: Freshman Year, and X-Men ’97.
