Thanks to countless engaging comic books, various toy lines, and the ongoing success of the MCU, Marvel’s superheroes have become some of the most instantly recognizable characters. As a result of that phenomenon, it isn’t too shocking that several video game developers have capitalized on it with their own ensemble projects. Beyond Crystal Dynamics’ ongoing Marvel’s Avengers game, Skydance New Media announced that it is working on a new team-up experience as well.

While little has been shared at this stage, Skydance’s game will feature several recognizable superhero names. One character that’s set to appear also popped up in Marvel’s Avengers, Black Panther. Although Crystal Dynamics' version of the king of Wakanda debuted in the game as a post-launch DLC expansion, his introduction was praised by many fans. It’s partly for this reason that it’s interesting that Skydance has decided to take its own Black Panther in a different direction.

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Black Panther’s Identity

skydance marvel ensemble dc single-player black panther captain america

Unlike Skydance’s interpretation of Captain America, the studio’s Black Panther isn’t going to be the incarnation of the hero that fans first think of. Thanks to Chadwick Boseman’s performance as T’Challa within the MCU, both the actor and character have become synonymous with the role. However, when the ensemble action-game debuts, players will instead be placed into the shoes of his grandfather, Azzuri.

The decision to focus on Azzuri’s time as the Black Panther separates the studio’s take on the mantle from Crystal Dynamics’ recent interpretation. During Marvel’s Avengers’ post-launch War for Wakanda expansion, players were greeted by a new version of T’Challa. When it comes to identity, it's worth pointing out that their respective roles could differ further on this front too. While T'Challa was also the King of Wakanda, it hasn't been confirmed if Azzuri has ascended to his throne at the time of the game.

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Black Panther’s Backstory

crystal dynamics video game expansion potential

Thanks to the fact that Crystal Dynamics and Skydance have chosen to focus on two different Black Panthers, it almost goes without saying that the backstories of each character are completely different. What’s aided this even more, though, is the latter’s decision to build its untitled project as a historical-themed adventure. Skydance’s debut teaser trailer does a great job setting this premise up, as players are given glimpses of a Nazi-occupied Paris during the Second World War.

So far, little has been shared about Azzuri’s backstory within Skydance’s corner of the Marvel multiverse. Beyond the fact that he’s already assumed the mantle of the Black Panther, the studio has been coy when it comes to his past and current mission in Europe. Although it stands to reason that the Amy Hennig-helmed project will offer up surprises, several comic book storylines could provide hints at the game's direction.

In the comics, Cap’s Howling Commandos played a large role for Black Panther during this period. Gabriel Jones even saved the Black Panther’s children at one point, which makes his appearance as a playable character in the game all the more intriguing. In any story, the narrative that players will go through will be a dramatic departure from the one seen in Marvel’s Avengers.

Beyond the fact that T’Challa is two generations removed from his grandfather, Marvel’s Avengers’ War for Wakanda storyline also takes place exclusively in a modern-day version of the fictional African nation. While there’s a chance that Crystal Dynamics’ Black Panther is related to a version of Azzuri, his journey to the throne was completely different. The expansion’s story did feature Ulysses Klaw as an antagonist, though. A similar character could appear in Skydance’s game under his original Colonel Klaue persona.

Black Panther’s Costume

Black Panther in Marvel's Avengers

Due to the teasing nature of the trailer that Skydance released last month, players have only had a few fleeting glimpses of its game’s protagonists. Out of the four playable characters featured in the still-untitled project, Azzuri’s Black Panther is the one that’s been spotlighted the brightest. Even though some details on his costume remain a mystery, players have a general idea of what he’ll look like in action.

Based on what’s been shown off by Skydance so far, it appears as though the studio has been heavily inspired by the character’s comic book origins. As a result of this, sections of Azzuri’s default costume line up neatly with what fans have come to know and love. Beyond the fact that his armor has been divided into distinct parts, this version of Azzuri also wears a comic book-accurate cape. While it’s not as dramatic as those seen within Marvel's comic books, its appearance will no doubt be welcomed by fans.

Out of all the comparisons that can be drawn between Crystal Dynamics' and Skydance New Media’s Black Panthers, their respective costumes are arguably the place where they’re the most similar. Even though the former’s incarnation of T’Challa lacks a cape, a motif he’s also adopted in several comic book storylines, other sections of his armor are shaped along comparative lines. His cowl, for example, is striking in this regard. It’s worth keeping in mind that Crystal Dynamics' game has become renowned for its costume lineup, which means some of the character’s alternative outfits bear more of a resemblance to Azzuri’s look than others.

Black Panther's Abilities

black panther skydance

Considering how Skydance’s Marvel game is still in active development, it’s hard to say at this stage what the studio’s Black Panther will feel like to play. It stands to reason that its version of Azzuri will have some of the abilities that Crystal Dynamics’ T’Challa also utilized, though. Both incarnations have drawn on Marvel’s history, so superhuman strength, reflexes, and stamina are all solid bets. Similarly, based on their respective designs, it’s highly likely that both costumes will be made of Wakanda’s famous Vibranium. Ensuring high levels of defense are a trait both Black Panthers will likely have in common.

When it comes to weapons, things are even more up in the air right now. Even though Azzuri had access to the Black Panther’s iconic Vibranium Claws, he’s mainly remembered by fans for his twin scythe-like weapons and shield. So far, Skydance hasn’t let on if players will be able to equip these onto their playable character. Right now, the only weapons that have been shown off are the aforementioned retractable claws. Weapons that Crystal Dynamics’ T’Challa also used to great effect within Marvel’s Avengers.

Skydance New Media's untitled Captain America and Black Panther game is currently in development.

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