Marvel Cinematic Universe: 10 New Villains To Watch Out For In 2018

Appearing In: Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War

M'Baku has been a longtime nemesis of T'Challa in Marvel's history, first introduced back in 1969 only to remain a thorn in the Black Panther's side ever since. And while he's gone by the name Man-Ape in comics, the character thankfully won't be going by that name in the MCU, though he and his tribe - the Jabari - will hold tight to a religion that worships gorillas.

With T'Challa taking over as king of Wakanda thanks to the events of Captain America: Civil War, a power struggle will be present in Black Panther which will see characters like M'Baku and Erik Killmonger rising up to oppose his rule. With Killmonger being the film's primary threat, it remains to be seen if T'Challa and M'Baku will put aside their differences to stop him, though the fact that M'Baku will be helping defend Wakanda in Infinity War has already underlined the idea that, despite his feelings about the new king, his country is something he's willing to fight and die for, all before we've even met him yet.

M'Baku's long-term role in the MCU is something that will have to play itself out if he survives Infinity War, and it's possible that Black Panther will be doing for him what Doctor Strange did for Baron Mordo in establishing him as someone whose villainy will truly come to the forefront down the road. Whatever happens, seeing one of T'Challa's biggest comic enemies brought to life - played by actor Winston Duke - is just one of the many reasons to be hyped for Black Panther.