‘Captain America: Civil War’ Delivers New Black Panther Photos and ‘Mysterious’ Details

The marketing push has officially begun for Captain America: Civil War, with the divided heroes of Marvel’s latest gracing the cover of Entertainment Weekly alongside MCU newcomer Chadwick Boseman, making his debut in the upcoming film as Black Panther. But whose side is Black Panther on in Civil War? And what are his reasons for crossing paths with Captain America and Iron Man? Not much has been known about the fierce new hero, but Marvel has dropped some new photos and details about this “mysterious” character.

First, here’s EW’s Civil War cover, featuring Cap, Iron Man and Black Panther with some seriously silly text:

As part of their Civil War cover story, the magazine introduces readers to Black Panther and explores his place in the MCU. According to producer Nate Moore, he’s neutral in the fight between Steve Rogers and Tony Stark:

He’s someone who hasn’t necessarily made up his mind about either side and whose agenda isn’t exactly what Cap’s agenda or what Tony’s agenda is. And I think that brings him into conflict weirdly with both characters at different times in the film. He is the prince of an African nation that has so far stayed very much sort of in the shadows. And eventually the film will draw him and his father out of the shadows.

Moore also compares the enigmatic new hero to James Bond, noting that his sense of humor is quite different from what we’ve come to expect from his fellow Marvel superheroes:

He’s definitely not the life of the party in this instance. I think this is something true of the comic book character and the movie. You never quite know where he stands. There’s always a bit of concealing and mystery. So I think mysterious is more his boat. Not to say there’s not charm and he can’t be a ladies’ man and all that. It’s more like if there is humor, it’s more like James Bond.

Although Black Panther was only announced last year, elements of his corner of the MCU have been present since Phase One. Captain America’s shield is notably made of Vibranium, the valuable and indestructible metal from T’Challa’s home nation of Wakanda — where Hulk and Iron Man got into their massive fight in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

As you probably assumed, Black Panther’s costume is made of Vibranium, as are his claws, making him a formidable opponent. Rumor has it that T’Challa enters the picture while searching for the person who killed his father, T’Chaka — could that be Bucky, or is he seeking justice for the destruction Iron Man and Hulk leveled in Wakanda?

Captain America: Civil War arrives on May 6, 2016, though we won’t see the Black Panther solo film until February 16, 2018.