Every Black Panther in the MCU: From Worst to Top
Think you know every Black Panther in the MCU? There’s more than you reckon. Dive into the full line-up, from overlooked animated heroes to the icons who defined Wakanda’s legacy.
Most punters might reckon there’ve only been two Black Panthers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa and Letitia Wright’s Shuri. But that’s not quite right. The MCU, across its films and animated series, has seen a fair few characters don the Black Panther suit, each bringing their own spin to the legacy. The mantle’s been handed down, sometimes willingly, sometimes not, and each version has left a mark—some more than others.
Animated Panthers and Lesser-Known Takes
Azari, the son of T’Challa, pops up in Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow. While the story’s got its moments, Azari’s role is more about potential than action—he’s not even Black Panther yet, just a kid in training under Iron Man’s watch. The film doesn’t give him much time to shine, so he lands at the bottom of the list.
Then there’s T’Challa in Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers, a Japanese anime series. Here, Black Panther spends most of his time stuck inside a gadget called a DISK, only getting out for the odd battle. He’s more of a handy tool for the young heroes than a fully fleshed-out character, so he doesn’t get much room to move.
In Iron Man: Armored Adventures, a teenage T’Challa is still finding his feet as Wakanda’s prince. He’s got a decent arc, learning to balance tradition with the modern world, especially when paired with a young Tony Stark. The show’s animation is solid, but it never really digs deep into what makes Black Panther tick.
Villains, Heroes, and Standout Performances
Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan in Black Panther, briefly takes the throne after besting T’Challa.
Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger challenged the core ideology of what Wakanda was supposed to be.
His time in the suit is short, but he shakes up Wakanda’s future and T’Challa’s worldview. Still, he’s more of a compelling villain than a lasting hero.
Ultimate Avengers II gives us another T’Challa, this time in a 2006 animated film. He’s a strong presence, defending Wakanda from alien threats and wrestling with his responsibilities to both his people and the wider world. The film nails the isolationist vibe of Wakanda, but T’Challa’s character could’ve used a bit more depth.
In Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, T’Challa is both king and scientist, joining the Avengers as a quiet but sharp strategist. He’s got a bit of a Batman feel—always thinking ahead, rarely rattled. The show explores his struggles with duty, identity, and the politics of Wakanda, making him a standout among the animated versions.
The Modern Mantle: Shuri and Boseman’s Legacy
After Chadwick Boseman’s passing, Letitia Wright’s Shuri steps up in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Being a sister to T’Challa, Shuri’s ascension is a heavy, emotional journey that takes place in the sequel.
Her take on the role is all about intellect, grief, and the weight of legacy. The suit’s packed with tech, and her fighting style is driven by a fierce need to protect what matters. Wright’s performance is raw and honest, showing that the Black Panther can be as much about brains and heart as brawn.
But it’s Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa who remains the gold standard. Taking the crown after his father’s death, Boseman’s portrayal is all quiet strength and dignity. His journey starts with a quest for revenge, shifts to a meditation on leadership and legacy, and ends with him at the centre of the MCU’s biggest battles. Even in alternate takes, like the What If…? series, T’Challa’s core values shine through.
Nobody could have played the role better than Chadwick Boseman, who the world loved to see in the role of Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
So, while the MCU’s had its fair share of Black Panthers, each with their own quirks and stories, it’s Boseman’s version that still sets the bar for everyone else.