Marvel Zombies Showrunner Reveals Why Spider-Man, Not Black Panther, Narrates Chadwick Boseman’s Scene
When Marvel Zombies debuts on September 24, 2025, fans will experience one of the most moving moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's animated history. The next series has an appearance by Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, but without dialogue, and the decision not to recast the late actor has piqued both intrigue and appreciation. Showrunner Bryan Andrews has now explained why Spider-Man narrates the scene rather than creating a new voice for Black Panther, shedding light on the creative decision that honours Boseman while keeping the character's integrity.
Honoring Boseman’s Legacy Without a Voice Replacement
Chadwick Boseman, who unfortunately died in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer, created a cinematic legacy that altered Marvel narrative. His portrayal of T'Challa, the Black Panther, resonated globally, representing cultural pride, resilience, and optimism. In Marvel Zombies, his character plays a silent part while Spider-Man recounts the scene. According to Bryan Andrews, this decision was deliberate: "We didn't have Chadwick, and if we had, things would have been quite different. But even without words, it feels like I'm with him in some bizarre manner."
This silent tribute assures that T'Challa remains Boseman's version—untouched, unadulterated, and revered. Marvel CEO Brad Winderbaum also revealed that they solicited opinions from filmmaker Ryan Coogler, who helmed Black Panther and Wakanda Forever. Coogler made excellent comments that improved the sequence, making it a suitable homage rather than a replacement.
Why Marvel Avoided Recasting T’Challa
Ever since Boseman died, Marvel fans have discussed whether T'Challa should be recast. While some argued the character's tale should be continued by a new actor, Marvel Studios took a different approach, officially handing over the mantle of Black Panther to Shuri in Wakanda Forever. In the case of Marvel Zombies, the team opposed any attempt to recast since it risked undermining Boseman's distinct presence. Instead, they let his memory shine through with a non-speaking appearance, reminding fans of the genuine person playing the character.
If Marvel had chosen to recast, it may have caused uproar and appeared disrespectful to fans who regard Boseman as irreplaceable. By having Spider-Man narrate, the program strikes a balance between storytelling needs and emotional sensitivity, transforming the scene into a polite nod rather than a dramatic rewrite.
Marvel Zombies: Continuing the Story of a Dark MCU
Marvel Zombies expands on the What If...? episode "What If...Zombies?!" into a four-part miniseries. The series follows surviving heroes as they navigate a world infested with zombie replicas of powerful figures. The series, which stars Awkwafina, Florence Pugh, Simu Liu, Elizabeth Olsen, and David Harbour, blends horror, action, and superhero drama in a way that expands Marvel's investigation of different realms.
T'Challa's participation adds emotional weight, reminding fans of Boseman's enduring significance in plots that extend beyond the main MCU timeline. It also emphasises Marvel's careful treatment of the character's presence while maintaining the relevance of his initial portrayal.
A Tribute That Resonates with Fans
T'Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, has become an icon far beyond superhero cinema, and Marvel Zombies respects this legacy in a subtle but effective way. Instead of attempting to recreate his voice or reinterpret his role, the series depicts him exactly as he was: a symbol of courage whose presence speaks louder than words. By enabling Spider-Man to narrate, the creative team ensures that fans feel both continuity and respect, making the scene particularly poignant.
As Marvel continues to explore the multiverse, new renditions of old characters will undoubtedly arise. But, for the time being, Boseman's T'Challa remains unchanged, serving as a reminder that some legacies should be preserved rather than remade.
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