Wakanda’s Own James Bond: Get Ready for the Thrilling Eyes of Wakanda Series!

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The upcoming animated series from Marvel, titled Eyes of Wakanda, promises to unfold an exhilarating tale of espionage and intrigue, featuring Wakanda’s take on the iconic character James Bond. In a chat with Entertainment Weekly, showrunner and director Todd Harris, who has worked extensively in Marvel Studios storyboarding, revealed that the series will focus on the Hatut Zaraze, a secretive Wakandan team of operatives often referred to as the “Dogs of War.” These agents are charged with retrieving dangerous Vibranium artifacts that have been scattered throughout history, starting from a pivotal event at the tail end of the Western Bronze Age. Preview images for the Disney+ series, which is overseen by Ryan Coogler, have also been released, offering a sneak peek into this previously undisclosed chapter of Wakandan history and its potential influence on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Harris expressed his enthusiasm for the concept of various perspectives on history. The narrative kicks off at the tail end of the Western Bronze Age, and this initial spark ignites a massive espionage-spy tale that echoes throughout time… It’s like having Wakandan Bond characters, both male and female, and the mesmerizing landscape of Wakanda serves as an unforgettable backdrop for these thrilling undercover missions.

In my observation, the narrative unfolds around the Hatut Zaraze, known as ‘Dogs of War’ in the Wakandan tongue. This elite spy unit is entrusted with the mission of retrieving Vibranium artifacts from adversaries of the prosperous nation of Wakanda. As Harris elaborated, when a significant event causes some of these relics to escape into the open world, it becomes their covert responsibility to ensure that these objects don’t escalate the situation further. The consequences of one such disc falling into the hands of a Super Soldier, as we saw with Captain America’s Vibranium shield, serve as a stark reminder of the potential impact these artifacts can have on the world’s course.

The “Eyes of Wakanda” project connects the storylines of Marvel, historical events, and human narratives, as explained by Harris. This structure implies a sequence that not only enriches the tale of Wakanda but also links its hidden past with the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and addresses relatable human themes universally. Harris added that the series will be “anthology-adjacent,” meaning it’ll feature various stories from different time periods that contribute to a cohesive, overarching narrative. Moreover, he emphasized the freedom given for creative exploration in this Marvel animated series, stating, “They gave me free rein.

The Hatut Zaraze’s Comic Roots and MCU Future

The Hatut Zaraze, a formidable team, were introduced in Black Panther Vol. 3 #4, hailing from the Marvel Comics universe by writer Christopher Priest and artist Mark Texeira. They served as Wakanda’s clandestine police force, employing ruthless and efficient tactics to eradicate threats against the nation, often beyond legal boundaries. Led by T’Chaka’s adopted son, the White Wolf, they were renowned for their unwavering loyalty and harsh methods. T’Challa eventually dismantled the Hatut Zaraze due to their questionable tactics; however, they reappeared later as mercenaries, maintaining some affiliation with Wakanda. Their striking appearance, characterized by white, lion-themed outfits made from Vibranium microweave, left a lasting visual impression.

The “Eyes of Wakanda” will take on the role of the Hatut Zaraze in the primary Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) timeline. As described by Harris, they appear to be a defense group similar to the CIA, with a focus on retrieving artifacts from different time periods. This change suggests a greater emphasis on external espionage rather than just internal law enforcement, making them more like a “Wakanda-style James Bond”. This new portrayal will highlight their expertise and commitment to safeguarding Wakanda from external dangers, which may result in the toning down of some of their more questionable comic book aspects.

Eyes of Wakanda will premiere on August 6th, exclusively on Disney+.

What’s your take on how the Eyes of Wakanda might depict the Hatut Zaraze differently from their comic book counterparts?

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2025-05-27 12:39