Black Panther's universe features an 'independent Wales'

[Deleted]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-43085864

Black Panther has been praised for the positive image it presents of Africa through the fictional country of Wakanda.

The film has also got viewers excited over another country it seemingly paints in an empowering light.

When Wakanda's King T'Challa presents at the United Nations, he stands on stage alongside a Welsh flag.

It's left viewers wondering whether Wales is independent in this Marvel universe.

Wales is of course part of the United Kingdom, and at the UN is represented by the Union Jack flag.

But a scene that comes after the film's credits has got many eagle-eyed Welsh viewers excited, as the Baner Cymru (or Y Ddraig Goch) is on proud display on stage.

Welshman Leigh Jones, who works for a record label in London, said the flag's inclusion made him proud.

"It seemed too good to be true, but when I saw the screenshot I was incredibly happy and proud because of the context."

He also had some good theories as to why Wales is seemingly independent in this Marvel universe (Marvel has been contacted for comment).

"When the Welsh language and independence movements began gaining momentum in the 1960s, they saw themselves as part of a global struggle for civil rights at the time, which was being led by black Americans.

"Whether this is acknowledgment of that fellowship, or somebody working on SFX trying to suck up to the general manager of Lucasfilm (a Welsh person), doesn't really matter," he says.

"It's just brilliant to have recognition of Wales as a separate nation on a global scale when we even struggle to get that recognition within the UK."

Other theories posted by fans include the flag's cameo being a nod to little-known Marvel hero Y Ddraig Goch - which literally translates to The Red Dragon.

He appears in comic book Earth-616 and is described as the protector of Wales, as well as a former crime lord.

Polls suggest that when presented with different options for how Wales should be governed, an average of 6% of the Welsh population would choose independence.

The Welsh government seems excited about being included in such a huge film.

A spokesperson said: "From flags to filming locations to record breaking dramas & feature films, Wales continues to punch above it's weight - a real life Marvel."

LOL God bless the Welsh really

[Deleted]

I do love little Easter Eggs like this. Well played to anyone who caught it!

If I recall aswell, Y Ddraig Goch is basically a red humanoid dragon?

Every film needs more dragon.

[Independent voter]

It has to be a practical joke by some writer or set designer.

[Deleted]

I do love little Easter Eggs like this. Well played to anyone who caught it!

If I recall aswell, Y Ddraig Goch is basically a red humanoid dragon?

Every film needs more dragon.

I don't actually recall the character

[RyanEX]

The level of hype people have over a fictional possibility is bordering on ridiculous. And Black Panther doesn't give a positive image of Africa. It gives a positive image of a fictional kingdom within Africa, which wants nothing to do the rest of the world, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity.

Just glad I live in a sensible developing country where I won't get shit for going to see it on opening night for not being the right colour.

[Deleted]

The level of hype people have over a fictional possibility is bordering on ridiculous. And Black Panther doesn't give a positive image of Africa. It gives a positive image of a fictional kingdom within Africa, which wants nothing to do the rest of the world, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity.

Just glad I live in a sensible developing country where I won't get shit for going to see it on opening night for not being the right colour.

It's just a movie...

[Techno-Druid]

Definitely something @Theodarzna would like to see

[Deleted]

Yea it's pritty fun though to think. But ultimately unlike the Scots that got a big drive behind independence the Welsh haven't really gotten started one of my grandad's was semi-pro independence for a while I say semi because he dident really care except to to say it would be interesting.

I wonder if Scottish independence will ever die out again because they seem a bit stuck in limbo after thy lost the referendum?

[PACOX]

The level of hype people have over a fictional possibility is bordering on ridiculous. And Black Panther doesn't give a positive image of Africa. It gives a positive image of a fictional kingdom within Africa, which wants nothing to do the rest of the world, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity.

Just glad I live in a sensible developing country where I won't get shit for going to see it on opening night for not being the right colour.

Why are you so angry?

[ButterBeast]

It's just a movie...

Yeah you might have missed the newest rightwing meme!

[Deleted]

Another cash grab stupid superhero flick for simpletons. Im ready for this movie fad to end. It should have arround second or third ironman...

[Voidwielder]

"Superman makes me vomit, Batman and all that. That whole empire...this religion. It is so important that superheroes suffer...I don't give a damn, I shit on the United States." - Alejandro Jodorowsky.

[PC2]

What a truly shameful movie for promoting sovereignty and xenophobia!

[Masark]

The level of hype people have over a fictional possibility is bordering on ridiculous. And Black Panther doesn't give a positive image of Africa. It gives a positive image of a fictional kingdom within Africa, which wants nothing to do the rest of the world, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity.

To be fair, in the Marvel Universe(s), the rest of the world has villains wrecking shit on a regular basis, despite the best efforts from heroes. Would you want to get involved in that when you've got your own little highly-developed peaceful corner in which to tend to your own knitting?

[Orby]

I demand Wales independence.

Institute Walexit :P

Also the Welsh are the nicest people in the world, from my experience. Then again I am part Welsh

[Techno-Druid]

To be fair, in the Marvel Universe(s), the rest of the world has villains wrecking shit on a regular basis, despite the best efforts from heroes. Would you want to get involved in that?

Besides, at the end of the movie, in the mid-credit scene:
T'Challa opens up Wakanda to the world. Deciding that isolationism has no more benefit to his country and believing that Wakanda should work to share its technology with the rest of the world

[Garnier Fructis]

What a truly shameful movie for promoting sovereignty and xenophobia!

Besides, at the end of the movie, in the mid-credit scene:
T'Challa opens up Wakanda to the world. Deciding that isolationism has no more benefit to his country and believing that Wakanda should work to share its technology with the rest of the world

This juxtaposition is hilarious.

[PC2]

Besides, at the end of the movie, in the mid-credit scene:
T'Challa opens up Wakanda to the world. Deciding that isolationism has no more benefit to his country and believing that Wakanda should work to share its technology with the rest of the world

It will be interesting to see how many foreigners go to Wakanda and how they integrate lol. Panther 2 should be interesting.

[Independent voter]

The independent wales thing could be a publicity stunt, it surely made the news papers which is millions of dollars in free advertising, color me cynical.

[Lorgar Aurelian]

The level of hype people have over a fictional possibility is bordering on ridiculous. And Black Panther doesn't give a positive image of Africa. It gives a positive image of a fictional kingdom within Africa, which wants nothing to do the rest of the world, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity.

Just glad I live in a sensible developing country where I won't get shit for going to see it on opening night for not being the right colour.

Um it’s African American panther you racist.