Marvel’s Eyes of Wakanda Showrunner Explains Why the Black Panther Prequel Series Is Animated

Get ready to explore Wakanda like never before! In Marvel’s “Eyes of Wakanda,” an animated spin-off series within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we embark on a thrilling journey across time and continents focusing on the Hatut Zeraze – a group compared to Wakanda’s CIA by producer Brad Winderbaum, Head of Marvel Television and Marvel Animation. Premiering on Aug. 6, this series is executive produced by Ryan Coogler, director of “Black Panther” (2018) and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022). The unique storytelling found only in animation brings this series to life.

In Todd Harris’ words, “Animation allows for equal representation of various locations since costs are similar whether it’s Egypt, New York City, the moon, or Ohio. Traditional filming comes with geographical constraints we don’t encounter in animation. This freedom enables us to create a dreamlike portrayal of an era untouched by human history.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to share my appreciation for the gripping four-part chronicle that delves into the heroic exploits of Wakanda’s valiant warriors across history. These brave souls undertook perilous missions to seize Vibranium artifacts from adversaries who sought to harm Wakanda. Among these fearless individuals, one stands out – the majestic Lion, adorned in gold and brought to life by none other than Cress Williams, known for his role as Black Lightning.

As a movie reviewer, I’d put it this way: “In the world of ‘Black Panther’, the Hatut Zeraze find themselves constantly on a mission to retrieve stolen Vibranium, all while maintaining the secrecy that shields Wakanda from potential invaders. Yet, their loyalty to their homeland is tested as they delve deeper into the unknown, discovering the wonders and challenges of the world beyond.

Harris, who has worked as a storyboard artist on both the Black Panther movies and Marvel’s What If…?, takes charge as director and assumes an executive producer role alongside Winderbaum (X-Men ’97), Kevin Feige (Deadpool & Wolverine), Louis D’Esposito (Agatha All Along), and Zinzi Coogler of Proximity Media (Judas and the Black Messiah). Also joining the team are Sev Ohanian, Kalia King, and Coogler who have worked on Anthem, Sheba, and Ironheart respectively.

Harris stated, “This has been a long-awaited moment.” He continued, “The concept for this story has been brewing in my mind for quite some time. I’m strongly convinced about the symbolism of Wakanda and its role as a place that stands independent from colonization. It has established a boundary — a line it won’t cross and won’t allow others to cross either.”

Eyes of Wakanda, featuring the voices of Winnie Harlow (Grown-ish), Patricia Belcher (The Villains of Valley View), Larry Herron (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2), Adam Gold (Hogwarts Legacy), Lynn Whitfield (The Chi), Jacques Colimon (Fright Krewe), Jona Xiao (The Flash), Isaac Robinson-Smith (X-Men ’97), Gary Anthony Williams (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur), Zeke Alton (Batman: Arkham Shadow), Steve Toussaint (House of the Dragon), and Anika Noni Rose (Mufasa: The Lion King) will be available for streaming on August 6, exclusively on Disney+.

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2025-01-15 01:10