Doctor Doom vs. Wakanda: Black Panther 3 Theories Explored
According to a fascinating new theory within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it appears that Marvel Studios has strategically positioned Doctor Doom as the ideal villain for Black Panther 3. Following the monumental success of 2018’s Black Panther and the heartfelt narrative of 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, it was almost a foregone conclusion that director Ryan Coogler would embark on creating a sequel. This sequel aims to further delve into the rich tapestry of Wakanda and the legacy of the Black Panther within the MCU. Currently, Black Panther 3 is in the developmental phase at Marvel Studios, and there have already been intriguing hints regarding a compelling Marvel Comics storyline that may shape the upcoming sequel.
In a surprising revelation during an appearance on The Today Show in November 2024, the Hollywood icon Denzel Washington disclosed that Ryan Coogler is crafting a role specifically for him in Black Panther 3. This announcement not only confirms the ongoing development of Black Panther 3 but also ignites speculation about the potential narrative arcs that this yet-to-be-announced sequel might explore. A new theory has emerged suggesting that Marvel Studios has already laid the groundwork for an exciting storyline in Black Panther 3, particularly in light of the events depicted in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the updates concerning Doctor Doom’s pivotal role in the MCU’s Phase 6.
The Interconnectedness of Black Panther 2 & RDJ’s Return: The Perfect Setup for Doomwar in Black Panther 3
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Hints at an Imminent War Over Wakanda’s Precious Vibranium Resources
The film Black Panther introduced audiences to the mysterious African nation of Wakanda, revealing the vast deposits of vibranium hidden beneath its protective shield. This theme became increasingly significant in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where the narrative hinted at a global conflict over vibranium. Several nations, including the United States and France, expressed their ambitions to seize Wakanda’s vibranium resources during a tense United Nations meeting. This ongoing struggle for vibranium could serve as a critical backbone for the narrative of Black Panther 3, according to a compelling theory proposed by Reddit user Robemilak.
The theory suggests that the storyline of Marvel Comics’ Doomwar, which debuted in 2010, would be an ideal narrative to adapt in Black Panther 3. This storyline revolves around Doctor Doom orchestrating an invasion of Wakanda to plunder its vibranium. Marvel Studios has confirmed that Doctor Doom will make his debut in the MCU during the 2024 SDCC presentation, with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role, this time as Doctor Doom, in future projects such as Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. The interplay between Downey Jr.’s recasting and the events of Wakanda Forever has created a perfect setup for the Doomwar storyline to unfold in Black Panther 3.
Comprehensive Overview of Marvel Comics’ Doomwar Event
Doctor Doom’s Ambitious Takeover of Wakanda in Marvel Comics (2010)
Marvel Comics’ Doomwar, released from February to August 2010, spans six issues and tells a profound story that significantly alters the landscape of Wakanda. In this gripping narrative, the Desturi, a faction seeking to revert Wakanda to its isolationist roots, align themselves with Doctor Doom, resulting in a coup that jeopardizes the nation’s stability. They put Queen Ororo Munroe, known as Storm and T’Challa’s wife, on trial. In a desperate move, Black Panthers T’Challa and Shuri enlist the help of the X-Men to rescue Storm and dismantle the Desturi’s regime. Although they succeed in saving Storm, they cannot prevent Doctor Doom from absconding with Wakanda’s precious vibranium resources.
Related
Wakanda Forever Sets Up Doom As Black Panther 3’s Villain In 4 Huge Ways
While Doctor Doom was not in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, there are a few pretty big teases for the major Marvel villain’s imminent arrival.
In the aftermath of stealing vibranium, Doctor Doom established factories worldwide, creating an army of vibranium-enhanced Doombots and outfitting himself with new vibranium armor. This transformation made Doctor Doom an incredibly formidable adversary for a multitude of heroes assembled to thwart his plans, including Black Panthers, the Dora Milaje, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, War Machine, and even Deadpool. Eventually, T’Challa activated a powerful weapon that rendered vibranium inert globally, which ultimately led to Doctor Doom’s defeat, but not without significant repercussions for Wakanda and its Black Panthers. Witnessing this epic confrontation unfold in the MCU’s Black Panther 3 would be a thrilling experience.
Black Panther 3’s Doomwar: A Gateway to Unveiling the MCU’s Most Exciting New Characters
Marvel Comics’ Doomwar Introduced Numerous Characters Perfectly Suited for the MCU
While Doomwar primarily centers around Doctor Doom and the Black Panthers, the storyline also features a plethora of other Marvel heroes who would be fantastic additions to the cast of Black Panther 3. Notably, during the November Disney APAC Content Showcase, Marvel’s chief, Kevin Feige, hinted at the introduction of iconic X-Men characters in future MCU projects (as reported by Deadline). Given that the X-Men play a pivotal role in Marvel Comics’ Doomwar, it stands to reason that new iterations of Storm, Wolverine, Cyclops, and others could make their debut in Black Panther 3.
“I think you will see that continues in our next few movies with some X-Men players that you might recognize. Right after that, the whole story of Secret Wars really leads us into a new age of mutants and of the X-Men. Again, [it’s] one of those dreams come true. We finally have the X-Men back.”
In addition to the X-Men, the Fantastic Four also play an integral role in Marvel Comics’ Doomwar. This opens the door for actors like Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach to step into the shoes of Marvel’s First Family in Black Panther 3, following their anticipated appearances in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This could also serve as the perfect moment to reintroduce Ryan Reynolds‘s Deadpool into the MCU following Deadpool & Wolverine. By integrating these exciting new heroes into the storyline, Black Panther 3 has the potential to become one of the MCU’s most significant films, boasting crossover possibilities akin to those seen in Captain America: Civil War.