Why Black Panther Didn't Have a Bigger Role in Avengers: Endgame

Dissecting the Screen Time in a Massive Epic

AVENGERS ENDGAME SPOILER WARNING: In the grand tapestry of Avengers: Endgame, all of the heroes received their due recognition, but no hero was more poignant than Black Panther. Many wondered, and some questioned, why he did not have a larger role. Herein lies the reasoning behind the allocation of screen time for each character.

The Phases of the Multiverse

The film is a culmination of the previous installations, where each character played pivotal roles in the battle against Thanos. Black Panther, like so many other heroes, has his reasons for the screen time he received.

The Snap and the Dusting

Black Panther was one of the casualties of Thanos’s snap in Avengers: Infinity War. This left him absent for a significant portion of Avengers: Endgame as per Wakanda’s fate. The choice to have him off-screen was a narrative necessity, allowing him to maintain a resonant absence that added to the emotional weight of the narrative. This choice was not a mere oversight but a carefully crafted narrative device to convey the impact of Thanos's actions.

The Design of the Finale

The movie is designed to be a finale, a conclusion to the story arcs of the original six Avengers. Black Panther did not qualify as one of the founding members of this team. To include him would disrupt the narrative framework that made the film a meaningful goodbye for these characters.

Thanos's Connection

One of the key narrative arcs in Avengers: Endgame involves the personal connections to Thanos. Characters like Nebula and Gamora have deeper, more poignant reasons to chase Thanos for revenge. Black Panther, although a formidable warrior, does not have a personal connection to Thanos, which makes a significant narrative arc difficult to construct around him for this particular storyline.

Infinity Stones and Temporal Dynamics

Another critical factor was the possession of Infinity Stones. Characters like Star-Lord, Rocket, Peter Quill, and Yondu have their roles because they wield the Power Stone. This gave them a direct link to Thanos and the Infinity Gauntlet, making their participation in critical timelines more relevant. Black Panther and Wakanda, on the other hand, did not have a direct link to the stones during the pivotal time periods the protagonists visited, thus limiting their role in certain story arcs.

The Legacy of Black Panther

Black Panther’s absence from a larger role in Endgame is not indicative of his importance in the broader narrative. In fact, his absence can be seen as a reflection of his legacy. The film’s creators recognized that Black Panther was “dusted” but chose to acknowledge and honor his impact in a way that resonates deeply. Black Panther’s legacy is one of leadership, sacrifice, and the protection of his people, which is why he remains a key figure in the hearts and minds of fans.

His presence, albeit limited, in Endgame was enough to provide a sense of closure and a reminder of the profound sacrifice made by the character. This approach allows for a more meaningful experience for the audience, ensuring that the story remains emotionally resonant and impactful.

Conclusion

The allocation of screen time in Avengers: Endgame was a balance of narrative, character development, and emotional resonance. Black Panther, though not having a sprawling role, still played a crucial part in the film’s narrative. The decision to have him off-screen for most of the film was a thoughtful and purposeful one, ensuring that the story of Avengers: Endgame remained a cohesive and compelling epic.