It didn’t take long for T’Challa aka Black Panther to establish himself as one of the MCU’s most popular heroes. While his strict and no-nonsense attitude makes it difficult for some to bond with him, his love for close friends is evident in his MCU appearances.
Along with family like Shuri, T’Challa’s friends are important throughout his journey. He learned to trust his allies in Wakanda from members of the Avengers, who are sure to continue T’Challa’s legacy in the MCU.
Kirby
Some friendships in the MCU can be meaningful and important, even if they don’t last. This is the case with T’Challa and W’Kabi in the beginning black PantherW’Kabi was there to support T’Challa in becoming king of Wakanda, and the two even met to discuss T’Challa’s relationship.
However, when W’Kabi was frustrated that T’Challa had let Klaue escape, he decided to switch to Killmonger. In the end, W’Kabi seems to regret his actions, let’s see if he will stay in Black Panther: Wakanda forever.
Bucky Barnes
There wasn’t much romance when T’Challa and Bucky first met. After Bucky is accused of killing King T’Chaka, T’Challa goes on a mission to avenge his father. In fact, the first time T’Challa and Bucky met was during a fierce battle when T’Challa tried to kill him.
However, when the truth came out, T’Challa tried his best to make up for his mistake. He takes Bucky to Wakanda to keep him safe and hopefully heal his mind. He even has a new vibranium arm built for him. Thanks to T’Challa, Bucky can find redemption.
Natasha Romanoff
Natasha and T’Challa meet for the first time Captain America: Civil War Used to sign agreements. They bonded together for a short time because neither of them liked being in the spotlight when T’Challa expressed his respect for Natasha.
After T’Chaka’s death, Natasha comforted T’Challa and eventually recruited him to join Team Iron Man against Captain America. When Natasha betrayed T’Challa and let Captain America and Bucky escape, he welcomed her to Wakanda. Avengers: Infinity Warto prove that there is no bad blood.
steve rogers
Despite also encountering opponents in a battle, it is clear that T’Challa and Steve Rogers have a lot in common. Both are very respectable people who don’t hesitate to be on the front lines. This became apparent as they charged into battle together Avengers: Infinity War.
T’Challa seems to understand that Steve just wants to save Bucky, and welcomes him to Wakanda as he flees. He gives him a new shield when needed and is the first hero to pass through the gate Avengers: Game over Join Steve in the fight against Thanos.
Everett Ross
T’Challa meets Everett Ross Captain America: Civil War Ross was a government agent overseeing the implementation of the Sokovia Accords. Once again, T’Challa finds herself at odds with Ross, only to later become friends.
After Ross is shot while defending Nakia, T’Challa offers to take him to Wakanda to save his life. In return, Ross will fight alongside T’Challa and the others when Killmonger takes over Wakanda. They connect quickly, Ross will return as an ally in Wakanda black panther 2.
baku
T’Challa seems to have gotten used to befriending old rivals. M’Baku is introduced as the sole fighter against T’Challa to become the king of Wakanda. They had a brutal fight in which T’Challa spared M’Baku’s life, and when T’Challa’s body was found to pay off the debt, M’Baku kept T’Challa alive.
They seem to maintain a close bond, as M’Baku still refuses to fight with T’Challa against Killmonger, only to help him after all. When they reappear in Avengers: Infinity WarThe two are called brothers.
ayo
Although Ayo is not the main character in the series so far, she is actually the first member that Dora Milaje fans are introduced to. Immediately, she expressed her determination to protect her king by threatening Natasha.
She remains a loyal follower of T’Challa in Black Panther, even wanting to intervene and save him when he fights Killmonger. She’s a great example of how these warriors protect their king, but she also seems to really care about T’Challa.
Zuri
One of the oldest members of T’Challa’s inner circle in Wakanda, Zuri also served his father. Zuri was there to crown T’Challa as the new king, and it’s clear how proud he is of T’Challa. Zuri is also T’Challa’s wise counsel, but admits his dark past to T’Chaka.
In the end, Zuri sacrificed herself to save T’Challa from Killmonger as a way to make up for past mistakes.
nagia
T’Challa and Nakia become a couple at the end black PantherBut given their romance for much of the film’s length, viewers get a chance to see their relationship work as friends.
After T’Chaka’s death, Nakia did not hesitate to sided with T’Challa. However, she is also someone who isn’t afraid to tell him what he needs to hear and inspires him to expand Wakanda to the world and start helping people. Even without the romance, these two clearly mean a lot to each other.
Okay
As the leader of Dora Milaj, Okoye is always by T’Challa’s side. Although she is his sworn protector, she also has a sisterly relationship with her king. She was able to mock him and criticize him for his mistakes when he clearly valued her council.
Despite his oath to serve the King of Wakanda, it is clear that Okoye has a special loyalty to T’Challa. Seeing the devastation on her face as he disappeared from Thanos’ snap shows how much she cares for him.