While Black Panther 2 will no doubt be focused on Wakanda’s war with Namor and his undersea kingdom along with the legacy of the Black Panther himself, one major cameo could set up the foundation for Marvel’s Thunderbolts (and more). Currently held within a Wakandan prison (seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), the opportunity exists for Baron Helmet Zemo to make a new appearance in the upcoming Black Panther sequel. As such, a cameo for Zemo could easily serve as the foundation for future films in the MCU which have been rumored to feature the Avengers rival as well.
As revealed in the first trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the powerful African nation will be grappling with the loss of King T’Challa who also served as their protector known as the Black Panther (mirroring the tragic loss of the late Chadwick Boseman). However, the sequel will also see Wakanda going to war with Talocan, the underwater kingdom ruled by King Namor. The trailer hints that this will be a large and public conflict, one that may motivate other countries to take action in the face of these powerful nations.
While the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame did much to capture the world’s attention, Wakanda branched out under the rule of King T’Challajust before Thanos’ attack, revealing its true nature to the world as well as its vast resources. Naturally, it stands to reason that some countries may feel threatened by the advanced vibranium technology and defense capabilities Wakanda wields. It’s possible this upcoming war between Wakanda and Talocan may motivate new responses from the US in the name of security and defense, and can lead to the greenlighting or a more morally gray team of superhumans than has ever been seen before in the MCU. Crucially, a cameo role or post-credits scene appearance from Daniel Brühl’s Baron Zemo could kickstart the creation of his classic team from comics: The Thunderbolts.
Zemo In Black Panther 2 Can Lead To Captain America 4 & Thunderbolts
Set to release in July of 2024, Marvel’s Thunderbolts is expected to bring together a team similar to the comics’ team of the same name. Consisting of more morally ambiguous superhumans in the name of brutal justice, the Thunderbolts began as a team of villains posing as heroes under the leadership of Baron Zemo. However, the team has fluctuated over the years and they’ve actually become a genuine force for good in the process.
At the present, it’s widely believed that the MCU’s Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is building toward a film version of the Thunderbolts, having already recruited John Walker’s U.S Agent as a member in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. She’s also connected to Yelena Belova’s Black Widow. However, it’s not a stretch to imagine that someone as resourceful as Helmet Zemo would be able to escape Wakanda during its war with Talocan (to then be recruited by the Contessa as well).
The war itself could directly lead to the upcoming Captain America: New World Order which comes to theaters just ahead of Marvel’s Thunderbolts in May of 2024. The next Captain America film can deal with the political fallout of Black Panther 2 which will in turn lead to the creation of the team to be seen in Marvel’s Thunderbolts. An appearance by Baron Zemo in Black Panther 2 could certainly lead to a major return for the character, motivating more than one future plot for upcoming films to follow in the MCU.
