Details emerge on Wakanda’s role in Avengers: Infinity War

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

In the trailer for AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR we have been shown bits and pieces from a massive battle set in Wakanda, the African nation where Black Panther/T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is king. Fans have since been wondering why the alien forces are attacking Wakanda in the first place, and now we have a clearer picture of who all is involved, and what drives Thanos' forces there. 

As part of the sprawling coverage of INFINITY WAR by EW, details have emerged about the battle in Wakanda involving numerous Marvel heroes. What draws the evil forces there has something to do with Vision (Paul Bettany), who Captain America (Chris Evans) brings to Wakanda in an effort to protect.

Vision is a living MacGuffin. Obviously, that raises the stakes because Vision’s life is in danger, and his life is in conflict with Thanos’ goals, so something’s got to give. “Cap makes the decision to bring [Vision] here to Wakanda. Earth is making its last stand to keep the stone from Thanos. It’s the best place to make your last stand.

This causes the factions of Wakanda to come together to fight off the alien horde – known as Outriders. Boseman believes that though Thanos' forces are formidable, facing massive armies is not something new to Wakandans.

It’s never been conquered, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been challenged.

At the end of BLACK PANTHER, the nation came out of hiding and opened itself up to the world, which is a massive change. The feature details how Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Groot and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) find their way to Africa, which means now Wakanda has to play host not only to outside humans but now gods and talking raccoons. But T’Challa trusts Cap (who he fought in CIVIL WAR), as evidenced by giving the super soldier his new, fancy vibranium shield(s).

They trust each other. His shield was already made from vibranium anyway. So, it’s just an extension of what he already had. This time, actually giving it to him, as opposed to…[Boseman hints the vibranium for Cap’s original shield was stolen]. Me actually giving it to him is a testament to our relationship and trust.

From the sounds of it, this battle will be far more massive than it already looks in the trailer. It may even be this first movie's big climax, given how it brings a big portion of these heroes together. Fans are probably eager to see Wakanda under these new circumstances again after seeing it for the first time in BLACK PANTHER this year. No doubt their forces will need some of those massive rhinos to bash through those alien scum. 

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR arrives April 27.