The Marvel Cinematic Universe has teased the coming of a Vibranium War in future projects within Phase 5 and Phase 6, but this storyline may prove rather pointless in its execution. Ever since Wakanda revealed the truth about its resources, including the powerful metal known as Vibranium, to the rest of the world after the events of Black Panther, the country has become a target for many nefarious international interests. Although the MCU seems intent on introducing a Vibranium War storyline, the idea ultimately proves fruitless for the nation of Wakanda, and could even work in opposition to public favor of the franchise itself.
The MCU's Vibranium originated from an asteroid that crashed into the African nation of Wakanda thousands of years ago. Wakanda built its civilization around this metal deposit, using it to power its technology, which was far superior to the rest of the world. However, more recent years have seen other countries attempt to steal Wakanda's Vibranium for themselves, as depicted in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. As international desperation builds, Wakanda finds itself with few allies, knowing that it has precisely what the rest of the world wants--and will do anything to get. It seems as though a war between Wakanda and the world is inevitable.
Marvel's Thunderbolts May Be Seeking Vibranium
Some theories suggest that the entire reason the Thunderbolts formed in the MCU is to acquire Vibranium for the United States. This theory comes as a result of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's reveal that Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), the woman behind the Thunderbolts' formation, is the new director of the CIA. When confronted for her unsavory activities by her ex-husband and subordinate, Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman), Val its that she has hopes of attaining Vibranium. This seemingly confirms that Val has been forming the Thunderbolts with the express gaining access to Vibranium, possibly attempting to take it from Wakanda.
Valentina's position in the United States government further suggests that the Thunderbolts, and thereby any missions they may undertake, are completely sanctioned by the President, who Captain America: New World Order will reveal to be General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. As such, the Thunderbolts' potential mission into Wakanda wouldn't be a personal attack led by Val, but an all-out declaration of war by an entire country, which could result in a global conflict unlike any the world has ever seen before. The MCU would be plunged into a new arms race, as various countries make their own attempts to gain access to Vibranium, and all the advancements it provides.
Black Panther 2 Proved Wakanda Is Too Powerful To Be Challenged
The Vibranium War storyline set up in previous MCU projects simply doesn't work because Wakanda is too powerful to be challenged by most other countries in the world. The MCU's various Vibranium weapons all prove just how powerful the precious metal is, and just how difficult a time any country without Vibranium would have fighting Wakanda. The first act of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever proves this, showcasing a covert attempt by an unnamed country to steal Vibranium from a Wakandan outreach facility. The Dora Milaje made quick work of the attackers, parading them in front of their employers as an example of what happens to Wakanda's enemies.
Furthermore, Wakanda Forever proved that the Black Panther's home nation can even stand against other countries with Vibranium weapons at their disposal. After it was revealed that Namor (Tenoch Huerta) and the people of Talokan also built their society around Vibranium, it seemed as though Wakanda might finally have a rival capable of defeating them. However, under the guidance of the new Black Panther, Shuri (Letitia Wright), Wakanda was able to defeat even Talokan, once again proving the country's dominance on a worldwide scale. If even Namor was unable to overthrow Wakanda, then the other countries of the world would certainly fail in any similar attempts.
Can Any Country Or Superhero Team Rival Wakanda's Power?
Currently, only Namor's underwater civilization of Talokan, which was also built upon stores of Vibranium, is capable of rivaling Wakanda's immense power. Although the Talokanil were bested by Wakanda during the event of the second Black Panther film, it remains clear that their access to Vibranium still makes them the biggest threat facing Shuri and her people in future projects. Thankfully for both nations, Wakanda Forever ends with a truce between Talokan and Wakanda, suggesting that any future conflicts would see them fight on the same side, completing Namor's plan to forge a powerful ally if the world ever comes for his Vibranium.
However, should other nations acquire Vibranium in Phase 5 of Phase 6 of the MCU, both Wakanda and Talokan would have something to fear from malevolent international interests. With Vibranium at their fingertips, other advanced countries would certainly pose a threat even to Wakanda, the most powerful nation in the world. It is important to note, however, that Wakanda would still keep the upper hand, pitting its long history of developing Vibranium inventions against the world's lack of experience with the precious metal. Even so, if Vibranium were to become an internationally attainable substance, the battlefield would suddenly be far more even than before.
Likewise, should Wakanda lose its Vibranium in a cruel twist of fate, the rest of the world may seize the opportunity to attack the newly weakened country in a misguided attempt to project global control and power for themselves. Even in this scenario, poorly intentioned countries would have quite an obstacle in attempting to overthrow Wakanda, which has repeatedly proven itself a threat in any fight, whether or not they have Vibranium weapons at their side. Regardless of who has Vibranium and who doesn't, there is no world in which Wakanda is defeated without putting up a massive fight beforehand.
Wakanda's Legacy Outside The MCU Is Too Important
Ultimately, Wakanda's real-life legacy is simply far too important for the country to ever be overthrown in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The unveiling of an Afro-futurist nation that is leagues and bounds ahead of the rest of the world created a major paradigm shift for people of color, who have celebrated the release of both Black Panther films, which each became international hits. If Black Panther 3 were to end the franchise with the fall of Wakanda, Marvel would risk unnecessarily alienating large portions of their audience. The move would be far too risky for Marvel Studios to even attempt.
Therefore, if Wakanda is too powerful to be defeated by any other countries and Marvel would never depict the nation's fall, there is little reason to include a Vibranium War storyline in projects. Wakanda would be at little risk of being defeated, making any attempt on anyone's behalf, even the Thunderbolts or Namor, misguided at best. A Vibranium War wouldn't have any real stakes, and should therefore be avoided in favor of other, better storylines that can meaningfully continue the Black Panther franchise without alienating audiences. Ultimately, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has better stories in store for the nation of Wakanda.
