It seems sometime soon, Marvel's Avengers will announce Black Panther's inclusion into the game. Crystal Dynamics — Marvel's Avengers' developer — revealed the character's icon near the beginning of its third Marvel's Avengers War Table stream. It came just after a moment of silence was held in honor of Chadwick Boseman.
Alongside Black Panther's icon, a special message appeared. According to it, Black Panther was supposed to make an appearance during the third Marvel's Avengers War Table. However, Crystal Dynamics removed all related footage as its way of paying respects to Chadwick Boseman. The studio likely chose this route so as not to take any attention away from the actor.
For those of you who don't know, Chadwick Boseman was the name of the man who played Black Panther in the Marvel's Cinematic Universe. He was diagnosed with colon cancer back in 2016 and recently passed away from it after a four-year-long battle. Within this time, Boseman managed to star in an array of movies, including the critically acclaimed Marvel films: Avengers Infinity War, Avengers Endgame, and, of course, Black Panther. He did these movies and more while undergoing surgeries and chemo.
Instead of the Black Panther footage, Crystal Dynamics opted to show off Kate Bishop's DLC, though it's likely that the two characters were meant to appear together, as Kate's reveal states that she will be the first post-launch hero, not Hawkeye. Kate is essentially a female Hawkeye. She was his protege before going on to become her own hero.
When exactly the Black Panther DLC announcement will happen remains a mystery at the moment. However, at the end of the present Marvel's Avengers War Table, Crystal revealed that it would be hosting another one shortly. It will happen sometime after Marvel's Avengers launch, which occurs on September 4.
Crystal Dynamics will likely reveal Black Panther during this post-launch live stream. If Crystal had plans to reveal him during this past War Table, then his story ties in with the earlier post-launch Marvel's Avengers DLCs, and Crystal will want to reveal him soon. The post-launch stream would make the perfect opportunity for his reveal since its the closest.
In the meantime, fans are celebrating Chadwick Boseman's life by coming together and watching Black Panther and other films the actor starred in. Boseman's co-stars have also come forward with their own tributes.
Marvel's Avengers releases September 4 for PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, and PC. PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are in development.