The Definitive Answer: How Many Black Panther Movies Are There (And The Shocking Future Of Wakanda)

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As of December 22, 2025, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has officially released two standalone *Black Panther* films, with a third installment confirmed to be in development. However, to truly answer the question "How many Black Panther movies are there?" you must look beyond the solo titles and count the character's pivotal appearances across the entire MCU.

The legacy of the Black Panther, first embodied by the late Chadwick Boseman as King T'Challa and later by Letitia Wright as Queen Shuri, spans five major motion pictures. This guide breaks down the definitive count, explores the full film chronology, and reveals the most recent, up-to-date information on the future of Wakanda.

The Black Panther Legacy: Complete Biography Profiles of T'Challa and Shuri

The heart of the *Black Panther* film series lies in the powerful characters who have worn the Vibranium suit. The franchise's emotional depth is inextricably linked to the biographies of the two main protagonists.

Chadwick Boseman (T'Challa/The Original Black Panther)

  • Full Name: Chadwick Aaron Boseman
  • Born: November 29, 1976, Anderson, South Carolina, U.S.
  • Died: August 28, 2020, Los Angeles, California (Aged 43)
  • Education: Graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
  • Key Pre-MCU Roles: Portrayed iconic figures such as Jackie Robinson in *42* (2013) and James Brown in *Get On Up* (2014).
  • MCU Debut: *Captain America: Civil War* (2016).
  • Black Panther Role: Achieved international fame as the Marvel Comics superhero T'Challa, the King of Wakanda and the Black Panther, from 2016 to 2019.
  • Legacy: His performance as the dignified and noble King T'Challa cemented the character as a global icon and led to the first superhero film to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award.

Letitia Wright (Shuri/The Current Black Panther)

  • Full Name: Letitia Michelle Wright
  • Born: October 31, 1993, Georgetown, Guyana
  • Nationality: Guyanese-British actress
  • Career Start: Began her career with guest roles in television series like *Top Boy* and *Coming Up*.
  • Breakthrough Role: Gained worldwide recognition as Shuri, T'Challa’s genius sister and the head of the Wakandan Design Group, in the MCU.
  • Awards: Winner of the BAFTA Rising Star Award.
  • Black Panther Role: Took on the mantle of the Black Panther in the sequel, *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022), following the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman. Her character is key to the franchise's future.

The Two Standalone Black Panther Films (So Far)

When fans ask "how many Black Panther movies are there," they are usually referring to the films where the hero is the central focus. The official count for solo movies is two, with a third currently in development.

1. Black Panther (2018)

The first standalone film was a cultural phenomenon. It introduced the world to the hidden, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda, a country secretly powered by the alien metal Vibranium. The film follows T'Challa as he returns home to claim the throne after his father's death, facing the formidable challenge of Erik "Killmonger" Stevens. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film was a massive critical and commercial success, earning seven Academy Award nominations.

2. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

This sequel had the immense task of navigating the loss of Chadwick Boseman. The storyline focuses on the nation of Wakanda grieving King T'Challa while facing a new global threat from the underwater kingdom of Talokan, led by the powerful mutant Namor. The film concludes with T'Challa's sister, Shuri, stepping up to become the new Black Panther, continuing the legacy of the protector of Wakanda.

The Full Chronology: Black Panther's 5 Major MCU Appearances

For the ultimate fan, the Black Panther's presence in the MCU extends beyond the solo films. The character is a central figure in the MCU's Infinity Saga and its aftermath, bringing the total count of major film appearances to five.

Here is the complete list of films featuring the Black Panther character, in release order:

  • 1. Captain America: Civil War (2016): T'Challa’s debut. He is introduced as the Prince of Wakanda, seeking revenge after a terrorist attack (orchestrated by Zemo) kills his father, King T'Chaka.
  • 2. Black Panther (2018): The first standalone film, detailing T'Challa's ascension to the throne and his battle with Killmonger.
  • 3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018): Wakanda becomes the central battleground for the final stand against Thanos and his army. T'Challa leads his forces in defense of the Mind Stone.
  • 4. Avengers: Endgame (2019): T'Challa returns from the Blip and joins the final battle against Thanos, leading the Wakandan forces alongside the Avengers.
  • 5. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022): Shuri assumes the mantle of the Black Panther to protect her nation from Namor and Talokan.

Therefore, while there are only two solo *Black Panther* movies, the character has been a major player in five total MCU films.

What's Next? The Future of the Black Panther Franchise (Latest Updates)

The Wakandan universe is set to expand significantly, confirming that the story of the Black Panther is far from over. The most recent news confirms a third movie and multiple television spin-offs.

Black Panther 3 is Confirmed

A third *Black Panther* movie is officially in the works. Director and co-writer Ryan Coogler has confirmed that he is actively working on a sequel to *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*.

  • Status: Confirmed to be in development.
  • Possible Release Window: While no official date has been announced by Marvel Studios, industry rumors point to a potential release in an open slot in late 2026, possibly between the two upcoming *Avengers* films.
  • Focus: The film is expected to continue Shuri’s journey as the new Black Panther and Queen of Wakanda, as established in the post-credits scene of *Wakanda Forever*.

The Wakandan Universe Expands to Disney+

The topical authority of the franchise is being bolstered by multiple spin-off series on Disney+, further exploring the rich culture and history of Wakanda:

  • Eyes of Wakanda (Animated Series): This animated series is confirmed to be in development and will feature a new version of the hero Iron Fist, according to the creator. The show is expected to explore the untold history of Wakanda's warriors and the artifacts they've collected over time.
  • Live-Action Spin-Off: Marvel Studios is also developing a live-action series set in Wakanda, which was first revealed a few years ago. This series, along with *Eyes of Wakanda*, demonstrates Marvel's commitment to building a larger "Wakanda-verse" on the streaming platform.

The Black Panther franchise, which started with the introduction of King T'Challa, has evolved into a cornerstone of the entire MCU. With two critically acclaimed films already released and a third on the way, the legacy of Wakanda's protector—from the original Black Panther to the current—is secured for years to come.

The Definitive Answer: How Many Black Panther Movies Are There (And The Shocking Future of Wakanda)
how many black panther movies are there
how many black panther movies are there

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