Marvel has continuously expanded its storytelling reach within the MCU, and Eyes of Wakanda is one of their more recent releases. This new addition, which arrived in August 2025, is an animated anthology series. It is a bold leap into new territory and has captivated audiences with its cinematic quality, global scope and narrative ambition. The new show was created by Todd Harris and is executive produced by the Black Panther director Ryan Coogler. Given that the show is a labor of love for the franchise, it has fans rightfully excited. And with it being a significant creative move that may be relevant for future Black Panther live-action films, there is plenty to explore.
Eyes of Wakanda spotlights Wakandan operatives throughout history who go on secret missions to recover lost and stolen vibranium. Aside from the animated show’s exciting premise, it also has a distinct visual style and showcases sweeping locations, which have earned it praise from critics and fans alike. However, its fourth and final episode has ignited major discussion online, particularly because of its unexpected connections to Black Panther (2018) and the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, let’s dive into what the Eyes of Wakanda series is really about and break down its ending, character cameos and lingering questions.
What is ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ about?
At its core, Eyes of Wakanda is a time-hopping adventure told across four episodes, each in different historical eras. But the central premise follows elite Wakandan operatives known as War Dogs, who are sent out into the world to retrieve vibranium artifacts that have fallen into foreign hands. These missions span thousands of years and dozens of cultures, from ancient Crete to the Age of Exploration.
Each episode tells a self-contained story, but they are all connected by a single thread. This thread is a vibranium battle axe that resurfaces in different eras but ultimately must be returned to its rightful place. The final episode even reveals that returning this artifact is crucial to preventing a dystopian future where Earth is destroyed by an alien force known as the Horde. The series ends strikingly, looping the narrative back to the Black Panther (2018) narrative and confirms Eyes of Wakanda‘s place within the MCU.
Who is the Iron Fist?
One of the most talked about moments in Eyes of Wakanda is the introduction of a brand new version of Iron Fist, which takes place in episode three. Unlike the Netflix version of the character, this Iron Fist is female for the first time ever (voiced by Jona Xiao). In the animated series, she is a young Chinese woman named Jorani who gains her powers somewhere around the 1400s. Her backstory does not differ much from the traditional Iron Fist origin story, though.
She defeats the dragon Shou-Lao and earns the mystical chi-powered abilities in the same way the original does. These abilities allow her to become a legendary protector of K’un-Lun. But her role in the narrative is not just a one-off cameo. She works alongside the Wakandan War Dogs during their mission in ancient China.
During their mission, a vibranium artifact was stolen by a rogue faction, and her inclusion serves a few different purposes. For one, it is a reclamation of the Iron Fist legacy with cultural authenticity and teases potential future crossovers involving the mystical realms of Marvel. It also opens up doors for more diverse representations of legacy characters. Whether or not Jorani will return in future MCU projects remains a mystery, but Eyes of Wakanda makes a strong case for her continued presence.
Is ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ a prequel?
As Collider confirms, Eyes of Wakanda is a prequel. It may be better understood as a prequel anthology series, though, since it spans hundreds of years leading up to the events of Black Panther (and that MCU timeline). Each episode is set in a different period, from ancient civilizations to the late 19th century, long before T’Challa becomes king. These stories fill in the historical gaps that exist. They also show that vibranium has influenced global conflicts, political movements and technological shifts across the ages. For example, episode two of the series tells its own version of the Trojan War.
However, the show doesn’t remain strictly in the past. The final episode features a major twist where a future Black Panther travels back to warn Wakandan agents about a coming threat. This time travel intervention ties the show directly to the MCU’s main timeline.
What makes the prequel angle particularly effective is its moral depth. The show challenges Wakanda’s policy of isolation, so fans get a feel for some big philosophical tensions. Wakanda’s responsibility to the rest of the world is even tested in the finale, which forces Wakanda to act for the good of all humanity and not just its own.
Is Okoye in the ‘Eyes of Wakanda’?
Yes, Okoye, who is the fan favorite Dora Milaje played by Danai Gurira (in both the animated and live action depictions) is in Eyes of Wakanda. In fact, she plays a significant part in the animated series. While she’s not the central focus of any particular episode, her role serves as a narrative anchor for the series. As a modern-day figure, she reflects on the War Dogs’ legacy, which helps frame each story within Wakanda’s long tradition of vigilance and sacrifice.
Her familiar face also bridges the historical content with the present-day MCU. This reminds viewers that the sacrifices made by early Wakandan operatives paved the way for the Wakanda we know today. Her depiction in the animated series also indicates the importance of oral tradition in Wakandan culture. Okoye often serves as a type of narrator or commentator, which offers viewers more context and connects the anthology’s rich history with themes that define the Black Panther franchise.
Did Killmonger make an appearance at the end of episode four?
The show’s final moments showcase a powerful callback to Erik Killmonger, the main antagonist in Black Panther (2018). While Killmonger himself does not make a physical appearance, his character arc is brought to the forefront. The final scene shows a vibranium axe, which is retrieved and restored to a museum in the modern day, being stolen by an unseen figure.
Day one MCU fans will instantly recognize this as the scene where Killmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan) steals the weapon from the British Museum in Black Panther. So this visual cue isn’t just fan service; it is a full-circle moment. It confirms that Eyes of Wakanda precedes the events of Black Panther. But it also emphasizes the recurring conflict over vibranium and who controls it, deserves it and what it really represents.
Basically, Killmonger stealing the axe becomes more than a plot device, but instead embodies a symbolic continuation of the century-long struggle that the show depicts. Due to the future implications of doing so, Wakanda ultimately left the axe in place instead of reclaiming it.
This emphasizes a bigger message: sometimes, letting things play out is necessary to avoid worse outcomes. Killmonger’s actions become part of a larger course correction that leads to Wakanda opening its borders and sharing its resources with the world. In a sense, the show doesn’t just explain his origins – it reframes their importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the end of Wakanda Forever mean?
The end of Wakanda Forever showed viewers a bittersweet conclusion, per Screenrant. It ended with the death of T’Challa, and Shuri visited Nakia in Haiti, where she is raising their son. They chose to keep him away from the pressure of being the rightful heir to the Wakandan throne, which makes the nation’s future uncertain. Despite his potential future role, due to his young age, Shuri steps up to the plate.
What is close to vibranium in real life?
According to Emtek (and physics and astronomy professor James Kakalios), the closest thing to vibranium known to man is a metal known as Graphene. This metal is extremely flexible and one hundred times stronger than steel, thanks to its carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb, hexagonal pattern.