The Rise of "Eyes of Wakanda" on Disney+
The highly anticipated Marvel animated series, "Eyes of Wakanda," is set to make its debut on Disney+ this August. All four episodes will now be released on August 1, which is earlier than the previously announced date of August 27. This change marks a significant shift in the release schedule, giving fans an early chance to explore the world of Wakanda through this new lens.
Todd Harris, the showrunner and director of the series, has been navigating the unpredictable journey of bringing "Eyes of Wakanda" to life. He began conceptualizing the project before the release of "Avengers: Endgame" and after the success of Ryan Coogler's "Black Panther." Harris has been eager to discuss his work since the first episode premiered at the Annecy Animation Festival earlier this year, but opportunities to delve into the details have been limited.
Harris shared with Entertainment Weekly that the anticipation for the project has been a rollercoaster of emotions. "There's been so many ups and downs in the waves of those that I've just become numb to it," he said. However, the time has finally come for the world to see what he has been working on.
Expanding the World of Wakanda
Harris' goal with "Eyes of Wakanda" was to expand the world of Wakanda, something that a movie might struggle to achieve. "It is a nation with multiple zip codes," he explained. "It was mostly just expanding the backdrop of the world that Ryan was able to establish, with just a little bit more time and a few more opportunities at the watering hole."
Each episode of the series takes place in a different time period and location, sometimes spanning decades or even centuries. This approach allows Harris to explore the idea that history is often written by the victors, while he attempts to tell the true story of these Wakandan heroes.
A Unique Storyline
The first episode centers on Noni (Winnie Harlow), a former member of Wakanda's Dora Milaje and a prospective new candidate for the Hatut Zaraze, who are essentially Wakanda's MI6. Noni is described as a James Bond version of a Dora who doesn't tow the company line.
In the year 1260 B.C., Noni is tasked with taking down a man known as the Lion (Cress Williams), a former Wakandan who took their nation's coveted technology and transformed himself into a warlord. His conquering eye is set on Crete in Greece, and Noni must retrieve the artifacts he stole.
Harris drew inspiration from "Apocalypse Now" and the character Thulsa Doom from "Conan" to create a compelling narrative that brings Wakanda into a situation where legitimate resources have to be put towards it.
A Diverse Cast and Exciting Elements
The cast of "Eyes of Wakanda" includes a variety of talented actors such as Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Gary Anthony Williams, Zeke Alton, Steve Toussaint, and Anika Noni Rose. Harris also confirmed that a certain Iron Fist appears in the series, though not the one fans might expect.
Harris and his team of writers, including Marc Bernardin and Geoffrey Thorne, explored the "weird corners in the Marvel universe" to bring unique elements to the show. The series promises a lot of action, with Noni showcasing her skills in a way that highlights the bravery and strength of Wakandan characters.
A New Perspective on History
Harris emphasized the importance of telling the true stories of Wakandan heroes, highlighting how history is often shaped by those who write it. "People pull truth out of history, and it might not necessarily be objective truth, but it's theirs," he explained. The show aims to provide a personal context for events, allowing viewers to engage with the stories in a meaningful way.
As the series unfolds, it will continue to explore different time periods and locations, weaving together the rich mythology of Wakanda. With its diverse cast, exciting storyline, and unique perspective on history, "Eyes of Wakanda" is set to captivate audiences and expand the Marvel universe in new and unexpected ways.
