Is Black Bolt in the MCU?

Black Bolt, real name Blackagar Boltagon, is a character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, his inclusion has been a bit of a rocky journey through the MCU's history. Let's delve into the intricacies of Black Bolt's place in the MCU and his future prospects.

Black Bolt in the MCU

Black Bolt first appeared in the MCU in the series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and later, in the film Avengers: Age of Ultron. These appearances were integral to the narrative, especially when his unique abilities came into play during critical moments. However, his portrayal in The Inhumans, a television series that closely aligns with the MCU, left a lot to be desired.

Is Black Bolt Canonical?

One of the most notable aspects of Black Bolt's history in the MCU is whether he is considered canonical. Those familiar with my answers know that I am a strong advocate for the inclusion of older MCU-adjacent shows as part of the main continuity. The series The Inhumans, despite its mixed reception, features Anson Mount's portrayal of Black Bolt, which I believe should be considered canonical. However, the quality of the show and Marvel's efforts to distance themselves from it complicate matters.

Despite the poor reception and Marvel's attempts to distance themselves, it was revealed that Black Bolt will indeed return in the upcoming film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While this initial announcement was exciting, a closer look at the movie's portrayal of Black Bolt left much to be desired. The film's treatment of the character has been heavily criticized, almost feeling like a middle finger to his original portrayal in The Inhumans.

Future Prospects for Black Bolt

Considering the current state of the MCU and the high demand for characters from the Inhuman race, one can reasonably expect Black Bolt to eventually become a part of the MCU. The series The Inhumans was a massive disaster for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, leading to a complete rebranding effort. As a result, Marvel is currently steering clear of any Inhuman-related content. The introduction of the Eternals further took up the space that the Inhumans were meant to occupy.

Despite this, the multifaceted nature of the MCU suggests that the Inhumans, including Black Bolt, will be reintroduced in the foreseeable future. However, the time frame for this introduction is not clear. Given that the inclusion of the Eternals and other characters is ongoing, it's safe to assume that Black Bolt’s return will be some years away. An estimate of 15 years or more seems realistic, reflecting the complex and methodical approach the MCU takes in weaving new characters into its existing narrative tapestry.

The challenges of including Black Bolt, a character from a controversial series, in the MCU underscore the meticulous nature of the process. The MCU's cautious approach reflects its commitment to maintaining continuity and consistency while also creating new and exciting storylines.

Conclusion

While Black Bolt's journey in the MCU has been bumpy, his eventual return in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness signifies a significant step for the Inhuman race. As Marvel refines its approach to Inhuman content, the inclusion of Black Bolt in the MCU seems inevitable, albeit in a distant future. The MCU's careful and methodical approach to character inclusion ensures that each addition enhances the overall narrative and underscores the complexities of this beloved character.