Black Panther pounced into theaters on February 16, and while it’s very much a Marvel Studios film, it’s also an example of the MCU’s ability to put a refreshing and innovative spin on traditional superhero blockbusters. Nevertheless, much like the 17 movies that came before it, we were still left with a number of unanswered questions by the time the credits rolled.
Here are five questions we have after watching Black Panther:
Is Bucky Cured?
In the second post-credits scene, we pick up on Captain America: Civil War’s lingering Bucky Barnes plot thread. If you’ll recall, Bucky, who was granted asylum in Wakanda, opted to be placed back into cryostasis until a cure for his brainwashing was found, but when we see him talking to Shuri in Black Panther, he seems like himself again (minus the Wakandan robe and the missing arm). Does this mean he’s been cured? We know Winter Soldier will be a prominent figure in Avengers: Infinity War, so even if he’s not cured, he certainly appears to be well on his way.
Where Does Wakanda’s Wealth Come From?
Wakanda is a nation known for its vast cache of vibranium, its groundbreaking technology, and its immense wealth. However, it’s also known for being an isolationist nation, which begs the question: Where does Wakanda’s wealth actually come from? The reclusive country likely isn’t trading with other nations (remember, the rest of the world views Wakanda as a third-world country), and it’s hard to imagine Wakanda is 100 percent self-sustaining and that its entire infrastructure is comprised of natural resources, despite vibranium’s near-limitless capabilities. And yet, somehow T’Challa has enough money to purchase several buildings in Oakland, CA. Money like that has to come from somewhere.
Is T’Challa the Last Black Panther?
After besting T’Challa in ritual combat and becoming the new Black Panther, Erik Killmonger commands one of his subjects to burn all of the remaining heart-shaped herbs, which are the source of the Black Panther’s power. Of course, Nakia manages to snatch one up for T’Challa before they’re incinerated, but with the rest of them reduced to ash, does that mean T’Challa is the last true Black Panther? Sure, it’s a ceremonial title passed on from generation to generation, but without the precious heart-shaped herb, T’Challa’s successor wouldn’t be a Black Panther in the same sense that he was. Then again, it’s always possible the herbs could grow back, so perhaps it isn’t worth getting too hung up on just yet.
Where Is the Soul Stone?
After the sixth and final Infinity Stone, the Soul Stone, failed to show up in Thor: Ragnarok, the smart money was on Black Panther being the film to introduce it to the MCU. Alas, that wasn’t the case, so with Avengers: Infinity War on the horizon, where exactly is the Soul Stone? Well, considering the trailer places heavy emphasis on Wakanda, it’s entirely possible the Soul Stone has been there all along, perhaps unbeknownst to its denizens. In fact, maybe Thanos is the only one who knows it’s there, which prompts him to send his army to retrieve it.
What Are the Implications of Wakanda Emerging From the Shadows?
In the film’s closing scene, as well as the first post-credits scene, we learn that after centuries of seclusion, Wakanda will finally emerge from the shadows and reveal its true nature to the world. Naturally, one can’t help but wonder what this means for the greater MCU. Will other nations harbor feelings of resentment towards Wakanda for hiding its innovative technology and bountiful resources for so long? Or will they simply welcome T’Challa’s proposition of helping better the world with open arms? Given that this is the MCU, you’d have to imagine there’d be a least a little bit of the former, but thankfully, Wakanda appears to be more than capable of defending itself from any impending attacks.