Eyes of Wakanda: Marvel Animation’s Epic Spy Thriller Explores the Roots of Black Panther

Marvel Animation officially unveiled the first episode of Eyes of Wakanda, a gripping animated Black Panther spin-off created by Todd Harris, during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Set centuries before the modern-day Wakanda we know, this historical sci-fi series dives into the origins of Wakandan culture, technology, and the spirit that forged the legacy of the Black Panther.

A Journey Into Wakanda’s Ancient Past

The premiere episode opens in Crete, 3,000 years ago, where a rogue general (voiced by Cress Williams) has stolen vibranium-infused Wakandan artifacts to build his own brutal “Lion Kingdom.” To retrieve them, Wakanda sends Noni (voiced by Winnie Harlow) — a disgraced former member of the Dora Milaje — on a high-stakes mission to capture the general and restore honor.

Noni’s mission places her in a series of deadly encounters aboard the villain’s massive naval fleet. Throughout her journey, she uncovers the existence of the Hatut Zeraze — a covert Wakandan intelligence agency responsible for protecting the nation’s secrets across generations.

 Ana de Armas Shines in Ballerina: A Fierce New Chapter in the John Wick Universe

Anthology-Adjacent with a Deep Cultural Core

“This show is anthology-adjacent,” said Harris during a post-screening Q&A. “The spark for the story is simple: someone takes something that doesn’t belong to them, and Wakanda makes every effort to get it back.”

He emphasizes that Eyes of Wakanda isn’t just a sci-fi action series — it’s a cultural exploration:

“The premise of the show is, what kind of culture builds the Black Panther? Everyone in Wakanda — generals, sergeants, even citizens — shares the same sense of duty and long-term vision. They work on missions they may never see finished, but they believe in them.”

A Wakandan Spy Thriller Through the Ages

The series spans multiple time periods, with the Hatut Zeraze tracking down vibranium artifacts scattered across the globe. Harris describes it as a spy story rooted in real-world emotions, obligations, and sacrifices.

“You meet agents like Noni who live real lives, make real connections, but also bear the responsibility of protecting their people and culture,” he explains.

Wakanda Meets Sci-Fi History

Harris, along with Black Panther producer Ryan Coogler and the writers, built Wakanda’s ancient past from scratch while staying true to Marvel’s sci-fi tradition. Harris compared the show’s world-building to:

“Star Trek dropped into the heart of Africa.”

Coogler reportedly drew inspiration from the Sea Peoples of the Bronze Age, a mysterious force in ancient history. Harris posed the bold question: “What if they were led by Wakandans?” The result is a speculative, historical, and deeply Afro-futuristic tale.

Why Animation Was the Perfect Medium

As a storyboard artist with credits including John Wick, Black Panther, and Shang-Chi, Harris felt animation offered the ideal canvas:

“Brooklyn costs just as much as Mars in animation. You get instant buy-in for fantastical concepts.”

He added that while he primarily works in live action, animation allows deeper visual storytelling that live action often limits.