Disney+ Black Panther Series Creator Teases MCU Cameos (& the Possibilities Are Endless)

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In advance of the release of a new trailer for “Eyes of Wakanda,” Marvel Studios has given us a tantalizing peek into the clandestine past of the hidden African nation. The upcoming animated series will delve into the exploits of Hatut Zaraze, Wakanda’s top spies, as they navigate various historical periods to safeguard their homeland and recover misappropriated Vibranium artifacts. This globe-trotting escapade is set to broaden the universe of the MCU in substantial ways, and as per the show’s creator, it will introduce some familiar faces during its journey. In an interview with Empire magazine, series creator Todd Harris hinted that fans of the MCU might encounter certain recognizable characters within the historical spy-thriller narrative.

Harris hinted that there will be some recognizable characters from the established Marvel Cinematic Universe appearing, but he emphasized that the series boasts a distinct and ambitious vision, exploring the interconnected history of Wakandans – those advanced Africans capable of time travel, reminiscent of the crew in “Star Trek”. To enrich this historical narrative, Harris shared an idea from “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler that was woven into the show: a maritime people group, inspired by real-world Bronze Age pirates who traversed the Mediterranean. This concept provided a blank slate for creating a world based on loosely defined yet dramatic circumstances.

The time-traveling narrative style of “Eyes of Wakanda” offers an almost limitless opportunity for cameos, tying the animated series closely to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). For example, the historical settings could see Wakandan spies encountering the Eternals, who have been present on Earth for thousands of years. Additionally, characters like Agatha Harkness and the Ancient One, who were active prior to Iron Man’s rise, might make appearances. A World War II storyline could involve the Hatut Zaraze meeting Captain America and the Howling Commandos, perhaps even observing the creation of his Vibranium shield. The first trailer hints at this integration by showing a historical version of the Iron Fist, suggesting that “Eyes of Wakanda” aims to blend Wakanda’s hidden past with the broader tapestry of the MCU.

Everything We Know About Eyes of Wakanda

The four-episode animated series titled “Eyes of Wakanda” has been developed by showrunner Harris, an experienced storyboard artist from the “Black Panther” movies, establishing a striking visual and thematic alignment with the live-action universe. Ryan Coogler, director of “Black Panther,” serves as executive producer, promising a substantial addition to Wakandan folklore. The series is confirmed to be part of the main Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline and will focus on the Hatut Zeraze, an undercover spy unit often referred to as a “Wakanda-style James Bond” organization. This elite team, known as the “Dogs of War,” are assigned perilous missions to retrieve ancient Vibranium artifacts that have been misplaced or stolen across history, keeping them from falling into harmful hands and influencing global events.

The series will employ an “anthology-adjacent” style, meaning each of its four episodes will take place in distinct time periods, yet share a larger, interconnected storyline. The tale begins in 1260 B.C., introducing Noni (played by Winnie Harlow), a potential Hatut Zeraze agent, and will echo through the ages afterward. This setup takes advantage of animation’s creative liberties, enabling the creators to construct historical settings on a scale that would be impractical in live-action. Harris has stressed his aim is to make the world of Wakanda appear larger and more diverse than ever before.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the introduction of the Hatut Zeraze is a significant nod to their comic book origins. Originally conceived by Christopher Priest, these characters were once Wakanda’s brutal secret police, disbanded by T’Challa due to their questionable tactics. However, in the MCU, they seem to have been reimagined as a more heroic and globally-oriented intelligence agency, fitting with the espionage-driven narrative of the series. This transformation offers an opportunity for the show to delve into themes such as loyalty, confidentiality, and the ethical dilemmas that come with shielding a nation hidden from the world.

Eyes of Wakanda premieres with all four episodes on August 1 on Disney+.

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2025-07-29 11:10