8 Upcoming Sci-Fi Movies That Could Be Better Than Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Black Panther may be rooted in the superhero genre as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but T'Challa's big-screen solo debut totally counts as sci-fi.

The movie takes place against a hi-tech backdrop, the nation of Wakanda, a place so advanced that its scientists were able to split the atom almost a century before the rest of the world. Science fiction enough for you?

Black Panther is many years in the making. At one stage, John Singleton was set to direct, but the version you'll get to see will be helmed by Creed's Ryan Coogler with Chadwick Boseman in the lead role.

T'Challa has played a major role in the Marvel Comics universe for many years, and it's exciting seeing him come into his own on screen, having made an explosive debut in Captain America: Civil War.

His solo film will see his position as leader of Wakanda come under threat when two of his enemies team up - Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger and Andy Serkis's Klaw - forcing the Panther to forge an alliance with with C.I.A. agent Everett K. Ross and the Dora Milaje to prevent a world war.

Marvel has proven it can pull off sci-fi with the two Guardians movies, and Black Panther is sure to be another worthy addition to its increasingly diverse portfolio.