Another piece in the picture puzzle that is Marvel Studios’ post-Avengers plans materialized today as they announced the hiring of Mark Bailey to pen a screenplay based on their popular Black Panther character. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige hinted last month that there were plans in the work for a Black Panther film so today’s announcement comes as no surprise.
Bailey seems to be an odd choice for the assignment. Although he has television documentaries on his resume, he has no produced feature film credits.
Considered by most as the first modern black superhero, the Black Panther is T’Challa, king of the African nation of Wakanda. As ruler, he has access to a mystical connection to an African panther god which grants him heightened senses, agility, strength and stamina. He also has his country’s vast store of magical artifacts and advanced technological weapons at his disposal.
For several years while the rights were out of Marvel’s hands, Wesley Snipes was attached to an effort to get a Black Panther film going at Universal.
A Black Panther film joins Iron Man 3, The Runaways, Iron Fist and Ant Man on Marvel Studios’ docket of potential projects hitting theaters after The Avengers‘ summer 2012 debut.
