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Eyes of Wakanda

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Eyes of Wakanda
Genre
Created byTodd Harris
Based on
Developed byRyan Coogler
Directed byTodd Harris
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
Production companies
Original release
NetworkDisney+
Related
Marvel Cinematic Universe television series

Eyes of Wakanda is an upcoming American animated television miniseries created by Todd Harris for the streaming service Disney+, based on the Marvel Comics location Wakanda. It is intended to be the 15th television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) from Marvel Studios and is produced by Marvel Studios Animation alongside Proximity Media, sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. It follows the Hatut Zaraze, Wakandan warriors who retrieve vibranium artifacts throughout history, with Harris serving as director.

The series stars Winnie Harlow, Cress Williams, Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Gary Anthony Williams, Zeke Alton, Steve Toussaint, and Anika Noni Rose. In February 2021, Ryan Coogler's overall deal between Disney and Proximity Media was announced. An animated series was revealed to be in development in March 2023, and was officially announced as Eyes of Wakanda in December 2023. Harris's involvement was revealed in March 2024. Unlike Marvel Animation's other series to that point, Eyes of Wakanda has greater connection with the other properties of the MCU, existing within various points of the franchise's Sacred Timeline.

Eyes of Wakanda is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on August 6, 2025, and will consist of four episodes. It will be the first series of Phase Six of the MCU.

Premise

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The Hatut Zaraze, Wakandan warriors, carry out dangerous missions around the world to retrieve vibranium artifacts throughout history.[1]

Cast and characters

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The Wakandan fighter Noni will appear,[2] along with an Iron Fist, a warrior with a "glowing fist".[3][4]

Production

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Development

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Ryan Coogler, writer and director of the Marvel Studios films Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), announced in February 2021 a five-year television deal between his company Proximity Media and Walt Disney Television. The deal included development of a drama series for the streaming service Disney+ based in the fictional country of Wakanda, the setting of the Black Panther films. Coogler was developing the series with Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito, and Victoria Alonso.[5][6] Richard Newby at The Hollywood Reporter opined that the series could expand the mythos of Wakanda while also being a continuing tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed T'Challa / Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) until his death in August 2020. Newby said the series could explore different storylines, such as: Winston Duke's M'Baku and the Jabari Tribe, given Duke was one of Black Panther's breakout performers; N'Jadaka / Erik "Killmonger" Stevens's mercenary past; T'Challa's father T'Chaka and his time as Black Panther; or the Dora Milaje, Wakanda's all-female fighters. Newby also noted comic book characters that the series could introduce to the MCU, such as the first Black Panther, Bashenga; teenage-activist Queen Divine Justice who joins the Dora Milaje; or NYPD officer Kasper Cole / White Tiger.[7]

By November 2022, Proximity Media was developing several series set in Wakanda.[8] In March 2023, journalist Jeff Sneider reported that Coogler and Disney were developing an animated series with the tentative title The Golden City, referring to the Wakandan capital city Birnin Zana;[9][10] a production listing gave Golden City as the working title for the initial Wakanda-set drama series.[11][10] The following month, Marvel Studios executive Nate Moore said the studio had discussed multiple ideas for featuring Black Panther characters in Disney+ series but they did not want to detract from the "cinematic experience" of the MCU.[12] In December, Marvel Studios Animation head Brad Winderbaum officially announced the animated series as Eyes of Wakanda, as part of a sizzle reel of the studio's 2024 series.[13] Coogler and Proximity Media were confirmed to be involved in the animated series,[14][15] and a showrunner was involved by then.[16] Deadline Hollywood noted the potential for Eyes of Wakanda to explore the Dora Milaje and the character Okoye.[17] IGN and ComicBook.com believed Eyes of Wakanda could be a previously-reported Okoye-led series,[18][19] but it was unclear if these were the same series.[20][21] Stephanie Holland at The Root compared the premise to the animated Star Wars series Tales of the Jedi (2022–present), which similarly follows different characters at different times. Holland believed that Eyes of Wakanda could explore Okoye becoming a general and her relationship with W'Kabi; the history between T'Challa's parents T'Chaka and Ramonda; or Wakanda's involvement in world conflicts during different time periods.[22]

Todd Harris was revealed in January 2024 to have pitched the series to Marvel Studios and Coogler. He previously served as a storyboard artist at Marvel Studios.[15] Winderbaum confirmed that Harris was the creator and director of the series later that year.[23][24] Harris also serves as executive producer, alongside Coogler, Winderbaum, Feige, D’Esposito, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Kalia King, and Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt.[1] Ideas for the series had begun while Coogler was filming Black Panther.[3] Marvel Studios reportedly spent nearly $20 million on an animated series between June 2022 and June 2023, which was believed to be Eyes of Wakanda.[25]

Writing

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Eyes of Wakanda follows the Hatut Zaraze, Wakandan warriors who, throughout history, have traveled the world to retrieve dangerous vibranium artifacts,[1] and it is centered on the legacy of the Black Panther as that mantle is passed down over generations.[26] Winderbaum said the series explores Wakanda's history and mythology, and it is set in the MCU's Sacred Timeline along with the films and live-action series. This differentiates it from many other Marvel Animation series which are usually set in alternate universes from the main MCU.[23][24] Being set within the Sacred Timeline allowed the creators to conceive the various storytelling opportunities Eyes of Wakanda presented in the MCU's past by working backward from the "existing framework" of the films.[3] Marc Bernardin, who previously worked as a writer on the video game Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra (2025), wrote two episodes of the series by December 2023. He worked on them for nine months during the COVID-19 pandemic.[27]

Casting and voice recording

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In November 2024, Winnie Harlow, Cress Williams, Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Gary Anthony Williams, Zeke Alton, Steve Toussaint, and Anika Noni Rose were revealed to have been cast in the series, with Cress voicing the Lion.[1]

Animation

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Eyes of Wakanda features a hand-painted animation style, inspired by contemporary African-American artists such as Ernie Barnes, as well as illustrator Dean Cornwell.[3][28] Early work on the animatics, along with character designs, had occurred by the series' announcement in December 2023.[16]

Marketing

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Eyes of Wakanda was promoted by Coogler and Harris during Marvel Studios Animation's panel at the D23 convention in August 2024, where footage was shown.[29][2][3] Footage from the series was included in a video that was released by Disney+ in October, announcing the release schedule for Marvel Television and Marvel Animation projects through the end of 2025.[30]

Release

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Eyes of Wakanda is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on August 6, 2025,[30] and will consist of four episodes.[2] It was previously scheduled to be released in 2024.[31] It will be the first series of Phase Six of the MCU.[32]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Flook, Ryan (November 15, 2024). "Eyes of Wakanda: Marvel Animation Confirms Voice Cast; Image, Overview". Bleeding Cool. Archived from the original on November 16, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Mitovich Webb, Matt (August 10, 2024). "Marvel Zombies (TV-MA!), Spider-Man, Eyes of Wakanda (Iron Fist?!) and Other Animated Series Get Updates at D23". TVLine. Archived from the original on August 11, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e Anderson, Jenna (August 10, 2024). "D23: Marvel Animation Panel Recap". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  4. ^ Barnhardt, Adam (August 10, 2024). "D23: Marvel Studios Confirms Iron Fist". ComicBook.com. Retrieved September 22, 2024.
  5. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (February 1, 2021). "'Black Panther' Helmer Ryan Coogler Stakes His Proximity Media Banner To 5-Year Exclusive Disney Television Deal; Wakanda Series In Works For Disney+". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  6. ^ "Ryan Coogler's Proximity Media Sets Exclusive Television Deal with The Walt Disney Company". Marvel.com. February 1, 2021. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  7. ^ Newby, Richard (February 4, 2021). "Disney+ and the Future of Wakanda". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  8. ^ Jackson, Angelique; Vary, Adam B. (November 9, 2022). "Rebuilding 'Black Panther': How the 'Wakanda Forever' Family Fought Through Grief and Injury to Create a $250 Million Superhero Tribute". Variety. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  9. ^ Nash, Anthony (March 19, 2023). "Animated Black Panther MCU Series Reportedly Being Developed". ComingSoon.net. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Brown, Jodee (March 10, 2023). "Report: Black Panther Disney+ Series Lands a Wakanda-Centric Working Title". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  11. ^ "Production Weekly – Issue 1341 – Thursday, March 16, 2023 / 166 Listings – 36 Pages". Production Weekly. March 15, 2023. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  12. ^ Malkin, Marc (April 5, 2023). "Melanie Lynskey Pitches 'The Last Of Us' Origin Season to Show How Kathleen 'Got Into This Crazy Position'". Variety. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  13. ^ "Marvel Studios Celebrates New Season of 'What If...?'". Marvel.com. December 12, 2023. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  14. ^ Bell, BreAnna (December 12, 2023). "'Eyes of Wakanda' Animated Series Announced at Marvel Studios". Variety. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  15. ^ a b Anderson, Jenna (January 4, 2024). "Marvel Exec Offers Major Update on Black Panther TV Series". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Smith, Kevin; Bernardin, Marc (December 19, 2023). 415: Final FMB of the Year! Best of 2023! – FMB Live 12/19/23. Fatman Beyond. Event occurs at 1:54:56–1:56:30. Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ Tapp, Tom (December 12, 2023). "Marvel Studios Announces 'Eyes of Wakanda' Animated Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  18. ^ Bankhurst, Adam (December 12, 2023). "Eyes of Wakanda Is a New Animated Series From the World of Black Panther Headed to Disney+". IGN. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  19. ^ Anderson, Jenna (December 11, 2023). "Marvel Studios Announces New Black Panther Series, Eyes of Wakanda, for Disney+". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  20. ^ Edwards, Molly (December 12, 2023). "Marvel has revealed that a new series about Wakanda's history is on the way". Total Film. GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  21. ^ Schreur, Brandon (December 12, 2023). "Eyes of Wakanda: Black Panther Animated Series Revealed". ComingSoon.net. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  22. ^ Holland, Stephanie (December 12, 2023). "5 Things We Want to See From Marvel's New 'Eyes of Wakanda' Animated Series". The Root. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  23. ^ a b Polk, Milan (March 20, 2024). "X-Men '97 Has Been In The Works Since What If...? Season 1". Men's Health. Archived from the original on March 20, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Lovett, Jamie (May 18, 2024). "Spider-Man and Wakanda Animated Series Teased by Marvel Producer". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  25. ^ Reid, Caroline (July 1, 2024). "Marvel Spends $20 Million On Mystery Animated Project". Forbes. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  26. ^ Peralta, Diego (December 12, 2023). "'Black Panther' Is Getting an Animated Series on Disney+". Collider. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023.
  27. ^ Perine, Aaron (December 21, 2023). "Marc Bernardin Wrote Two of Marvel's Eyes of Wakanda Episodes". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  28. ^ Kelley, Aidan; Gates, Taylor (August 10, 2024). "Marvel Revealed Sneak Peeks of What If...? Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and More at D23". Collider. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  29. ^ Bankhurst, Adam (July 11, 2024). "D23 2024 Will Include First Looks at X-Men '97 Season 2, Spider-Man Animated Series, and More". IGN. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  30. ^ a b Lussier, Germain (October 30, 2024). "Marvel Just Revealed Its TV Release Dates for the Next Year". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on October 30, 2024. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  31. ^ Barnhardt, Adam (December 11, 2023). "Marvel Studios Confirms X-Men '97 and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Release Dates on Disney+". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  32. ^ Power, Tom (October 31, 2024). "Marvel Phase 6: new MCU movies and Disney Plus shows, plus confirmed release dates". TechRadar. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
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