Captain America: Civil War as the mysterious T'Challa and went on to lead Black Panther in 2018. The solo movie not only gave Marvel Studios a chance to flesh out T'Challa as a character, but it also explored the history of Black Panther.
The opening few minutes of Black Panther gave viewers a history lesson on Marvel's Wakanda, showing how the nation was established after a vibranium meteor crashed into Earth millennia ago. The stylish animated sequence set up the legacy of the Black Panther mantle, which was a title and suit taken by each ruler of Wakanda. When the movie fast-forwarded to 1992 Oakland, the Black Panther appeared, and it was T'Challa's father T'Chaka under the mask. He wasn't the only past Black Panther seen in the movie though, as the Spirit World also teased those who had the title before him. But who was the first Black Panther?
A Wakandan warrior shaman known as Bashenga was the first man to become Black Panther. During the war for control of Wakanda, the goddess known as Bast selected Bashenga to be the first Black Panther. The Panther God guided him to find the Heart-Shaped Herb, which granted him enhanced physical abilities. Through this newfound power, Bashenga ascended to power and united the warring tribes to become Wakanda's first king. It isn't known how long he served as Wakanda's king or as Black Panther, but his legacy is secured. His original vibranium spear became a treasured possession for the nation and Mount Bashenga was named after him.
Bashenga might have been the first Black Panther, but the MCU has potentially made it so T'Challa will be the last. The events of Black Panther saw Erik Killmonger burn all of Wakanda's Heart-Shaped Herbs. Without the special plant, there is currently no known way for someone else in the future to receive the enhanced abilities of the Black Panther. Of course, Wakanda is home to vibranium, as well as some of the smartest minds and most advanced technology on the planet, so if anyone can figure out how to restore the Heart-Shaped Herbs, it should be them.
Even if the Heart-Shaped Herb can't be replicated, it's certain the genius Shuri will find a way to resurrect the powers of the Black Panther and guarantee that the Black Panther will continue to be a powerful hero for years to come. Should someone in Wakanda manage to recreate the Heart-Shaped Herb though, then another person could take on the Black Panther mantle and powers in the future. With Chadwick Boseman's untimely and tragic ing, fans are hoping that Shuri will become Black Panther as she did in the comics, in order to honor her brother, T'Challa, the former Black Panther and the legacy Bashenga started.
