Eyes of Wakanda: A Fresh Chapter for Black Panther and Iron Fist
Marvel Studios is shaking up its universe with the animated series Eyes of Wakanda, now streaming on Disney+. This project is the latest offshoot from the Black Panther saga, but what really has fans buzzing is the arrival of Iron Fist—not as you know him. For the first time, Iron Fist officially enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), stepping out from under the shadow of Netflix’s Danny Rand. Instead of Finn Jones, this rebooted Iron Fist character is voiced by Jona Xiao, giving the role a totally new perspective and energy.
The series hit the ground running at its August 2025 premiere. All four episodes dropped at once—a treat for anyone tired of waiting week to week. That binge-ready format was an intentional move, setting it apart from Marvel’s usual releases like Ironheart. Critics have been quick to praise Eyes of Wakanda: it snagged a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes right out of the gate, a sign that this isn’t just another filler series.
A New Iron Fist, New Rules
Jona Xiao’s take on Iron Fist signals more than a change in voice—this is a whole new character. Marvel has decided to veer away from the Netflix era and its stars, leaving behind both Finn Jones (Danny Rand) and Mike Colter (Luke Cage). It’s a clear message: the MCU wants to chart its own course, building from the comics but not chained to past adaptations. Some fans will notice nods to earlier comic books, but there’s also plenty that feels fresh, possibly laying groundwork for future inventions in the Iron Fist mythos.
The plot of Eyes of Wakanda zeroes in on the Hatut Zaraze, an elite group of Wakandan warriors. Their mission is both simple and daunting—recover Vibranium artifacts that have found their way into dangerous hands throughout history, and always keep Wakanda’s secrets safe. As the episodes move along, viewers are pulled back and forth through time, watching these warriors battle threats to their nation over centuries. This lets the show weave in key events from the wider Marvel universe, while always keeping the focus squarely on Wakanda’s perspective.
The series also isn’t shy about hinting at a complicated future. Wakanda’s challenges are far from over, and the ripple effects from these storylines might just shape what comes next in the live-action MCU—especially as the franchise looks for new directions after the seismic shifts of past Avengers films.
Beyond Iron Fist and the Hatut Zaraze, the show leans hard into world-building. Each episode digs deeper into Wakandan lore—the rivalries, the betrayals, and the high stakes that come with safeguarding the world’s most coveted resource. The animation gives the creators license to play with big set pieces and epic battles that would make even the most ambitious blockbuster sweat.
For Marvel fans who keep track of every connection, Eyes of Wakanda is peppered with callbacks and foreshadowing. It’s clear Marvel is using this animated slate—not just Eyes of Wakanda but projects like Marvel Zombies and Wonder Man—to plant seeds for bigger stories. The absence of Netflix’s Iron Fist and Luke Cage is no mistake; these stories represent a fresh start, and the animated medium is helping Marvel stretch its creative muscles.
Long-time Black Panther fans and those curious about new MCU faces will find plenty to explore here. Eyes of Wakanda marks a confident step forward, blending established lore with fresh storytelling—and introducing a new Iron Fist who could just steal the spotlight.
