Black Panther 3 might be setting up for a global arms race with the involvement of a metal that has, alongside vibranium, become intrinsic to the Marvel comics and turned the cogs of its narrative. This theory has gained traction with the plausibility of forthcoming MCU projects attempting to sow the seeds for the eventual birth of such an arc. The reports of Wilson Bethel reprising his role as Bullseye—who we last saw in Netflix’s Daredevil—have further cemented the belief.
It is, of course, the incorporation of virtually indestructible adamantium in the MCU upon which this speculation relies. And it may be sooner than later we see its debut in the venerated franchise!
Related: Black Panther 3: Marvel Reportedly Fast-tracking Another Sequel
Although adamantium is frequently associated with Wolverine (whose inclusion in Deadpool 3, although in a multiversal context, may establish a reference to the metal), its connection to Bullseye in the comics leads one to believe it will make its MCU debut soon. With Bethel’s Benjamin Poindexter reported to be a part of Daredevil: Born Again, his last few moments in the Netflix series become symbolic of the journey he’s headed to begin. If his evolution is akin to his comic-book iteration, then adamantium becomes crucial to the character’s existence!
Bullseye’s Return In Daredevil: Born Again May Imply The Debut of Adamantium
Benjamin ‘Dex’ Poindexter’s introduction in Netflix’s Daredevil Season 3 instantly made him a fan-favorite. It’s how his story was concluded that left scope for future endeavors to initiate his journey as Bullseye. As the narrative progressed, we saw the Wilson Bethel-portrayed, mentally-tormented former FBI agent under the manipulation of Wilson Fisk, who transforms the impeccable marksman into his primary assassin and sets him up to impersonate Daredevil.
Later on, when he finds out from the real Daredevil about the deceit he suffered at the hands of Fisk, he attempts to exact revenge. This establishes a three-way confrontation between the characters that ultimately leads to Kingpin shattering Dex’s spine, rendering him paralyzed. After that, viewers witnessed Poindexter consent to a possibly dangerous experimental surgery offered by doctor Kenji Oyama.
The inspiration behind the sequence stemmed from Bullseye’s comic-book counterpart, where a similar procedure was performed on him! And in this instance, too, it was Oyama, the Japanese crime lord known on the pages as Lord Dark Wind, who helped the paralyzed supervillain regain his mobility and strength. The comics’ explanation for the vertebrae’s breakage and the material utilized to reinforce it are the only distinctions between the two iterations.
Related: Letitia Wright Admits She Jumped the Gun on Black Panther 3, Not Sure if Marvel Is Making It
Poindexter’s spine is upgraded with Cogmium Steel in the Netflix series. In the comics, however, it was one of Marvel’s strongest metal alloys—Adamantium.
At the time, S3 showrunner Erik Oleson hinted—via ComicBook—that the Disney-Fox merger wasn’t yet finalized, so the term “adamantium” couldn’t be used. Now that it’s no longer an issue, it’s reasonable to believe that Bullseye’s MCU comeback in Daredevil: Born Again may incorporate an official mention of adamantium as part of his character’s lore.
With the final episode showing Poindexter’s iris glowing with the Bullseye symbol after waking up from his medical treatment, it’s only natural for him to have accepted his moniker. Thus, his surgery may be cited as a sign of the start of his journey as Bullseye in the MCU. Here’s where the studio’s ownership of X-Men would allow the continuation to substitute the two metals and make adamantium canon to the MCU.
The addition of Wolverine in Deadpool 3 also sets the stage for the possibility, eventually leading to the hypothesized arms race in Black Panther 3.
Deadpool 3 Could Allude To Adamantium’s Existence, Setting Up The Stage For Black Panther 3
Deadpool 3 is set to bring Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine to the MCU front. Although the inclusion of the adamantium-clawed X-Men is believed to be within the context of multiversal variants and a different timeline, his incorporation can establish the importance of the metal alloy. In the comics and Fox’s X-Men Universe, Wolverine’s skeleton is laced with the nigh-unbreakable adamantium. It’s because of this he could have blades for claws.
It’s a material that is inextricably tied to the well-known superhero. Given his upcoming inclusion and Bullseye’s comic book history, the alloy’s incorporation in the MCU appears inevitable.
Even if these two endeavors do not mention or introduce adamantium, the component is bound to make its debut soon, given the rights the studio owns now. It’d be a waste to let an opportunity to use the metal pass by since it could evoke numerous storylines beyond Phases 5 and 6. One such narrative could be observed in Black Panther 3.
Related: Ryan Coogler Has No Plans To Direct Black Panther 3
Black Panther 3 Could Revolve Around The Arms Race For Adamantium
Although details surrounding a third solo adventure revolving around the titular character remain scarce, speculations suggest Phase 7 could be where Black Panther 3 finds itself. By then, the potential to have set up the significance of adamantium could lead to an intriguing storyline where nations grapple over the control of the alloy.
Since Wakanda’s vibranium is shown as a source of competition amongst countries in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the substance intrinsically connected to Wolverine (and Bullseye) could receive similar treatment.
Future MCU endeavors, including a potential arc for Black Panther 3, may see a global conflict translate into nations vying for both vibranium and adamantium as sought-after substances to increase and enhance their arsenal of weapons. With Wakanda’s tight grip on its vibranium reserves, all those countries could instead opt for adamantium as their go-to.
We can only wonder what the future holds for the MCU, given fans’ predictions suggesting the potency of adamantium triumphing over even vibranium!
All will soon be unveiled.
