Next year, Black Panther will finally lead his own solo adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so everyone who liked T'Challa in Captain America: Civil War will be able to see him kick ass on his own. That being said, the MCU has a habit of letting other superheroes cameo in a movie led by a different protagonist. Falcon showed up in Ant-Man, Thor cameoed in Doctor Strange, the list goes on. So even though T'Challa will be the one under the spotlight on February 16, 2018, there's a good chance one of his fellow costumed crimefighters will pop in for a moment or two.
Last week, Marvel officially announced who will comprise the Black Panther main cast, but that doesn't necessarily mean they don't have one or two character surprises planned. With that in mind, we've gathered together the Marvel heroes who would be most fitting for a Black Panther appearance and ranked how likely it is we'll see them in the highly anticipated blockbuster.
Hawkeye
Like Falcon, Ant-Man and Scarlet Witch, Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye, was captured by Iron Man and his pro-Sokovia Accords allies following the airport battle in Germany. Fortunately for them, they were broken out of prison by Steve Rogers. Given that the only reason Clint participated in the Civil War was because he "owed a debt," we doubt he'll resurface as a superhero during Black Panther because he'll be keeping his family safe and off the grid.
Odds Of Returning: 500 to 1.
Ant-Man
We have yet another hero who was broke out of The Raft by Steve Rogers at the end of Captain America: Civil War, and Marvel was keeping what they have coming in the near future, it's plausible that Ant-Man could be hanging out with his new superhero buddies in Wakanda. However, Ant-Man and the Wasp is being released in summer 2018, so Scott Lang eventually has to make it back to the U.S. to reunite with Hope van Dyne and Hank Pym.
Odds Of Returning: 400 to 1.
Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch proved to be one of the heavy hitters in Captain America: Civil War, but that didn't stop her from being tossed in The Raft. Now that she's been freed, Wanda Maximoff is on the run like the rest of her anti-registration allies. While Wanda's special abilities would be extremely valued during Black Panther, it's highly unlikely she'll show up during the story. If she's not keeping a low profile in Wakanda, she's elsewhere on the globe getting an even better handle on her powers.
Odds Of Returning: 200 to 1.
Falcon
The last of the anti-registration heroes who were imprisoned by Iron Man, Falcon is now free to spread his wings again after being broken out of The Raft. Sam Wilson is one of Steve Rogers' best friends, so it wouldn't be surprising if he stuck by the man out of time's side in Africa. His wings would also come in handy during battle, but we can't help but feel that by now, Sam has gone back to the United States so he can be in a familiar setting.
Odds Of Returning: 100 to 1.
Iron Man
On the one hand, Iron Man popping up in Black Panther makes sense. Tony Stark and T'Challa were allies during Captain America: Civil War, so it's easy enough to construct a scenario where the Wakandan king is chatting with the billionaire industrialist, either in person or on video chat. On the other hand, with Robert Downey Jr appearing in Spider-Man: Homecoming this summer, Marvel may not want to overexpose the actor, especially since he's already primed to return in Avengers: Infinity War a few months after Black Panther.
Odds Of Returning: 50 to 1.
Black Widow
Even though Black Widow started out as one of the pro-registration heroes, she switched sides during the Germany battle so Captain America and Winter Soldier could escape to track down Helmut Zemo. Shortly afterwards she went on the run, so surely T'Challa would be accommodating and provide her asylum in Wakanda, right? After all, they're both on the same side again and both care about Steve Rogers. Despite her betrayal, there's a strong chance that T'Challa forgave her past transgression and has allowed her to stay in his country.
Odds Of Returning: 30 to 1.
Winter Soldier
After the climatic confrontation with Zemo and Iron Man in Captain America: Civil War, Bucky Barnes decided that he needed to be put on ice again until Wakanda's top scientists could find a way to overwrite HYDRA's control over him. Even though he's currently in suspended animation, it would be amazing if in Black Panther, Bucky was awakened to provide some much needed support against T'Challa's enemies. Even better, thanks to the country's plentiful vibranium supply, they'll have a new metal arm ready for him.
*Odds Of Returning: *10 to 1.
Captain America
After breaking his friends out of The Raft, Steve Rogers traveled to Wakanda to watch Bucky Barnes go back into cryosleep. Steve also sent Tony Stark a cell phone and note saying that he'll be around if Stark needs anything, so we know he's willing to leave Wakanda if the world is facing a great enough threat. However, since that moment hasn't arrived yet, it stands to reason that Steve is still living somewhere in Wakanda, so perhaps T'Challa will briefly meet with him when he's not busy with government affairs or slashing at super villains.
Odds Of Returning: 5 to 1.
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