Eyes of Wakanda (2025) is one of the most anticipated animated action-adventure anthology series of the year, blending globe-trotting historical espionage, superhero mythology, and rich visual storytelling. Created and directed by Todd Harris, and featuring an ensemble voice cast led by Winnie Harlow and Cress Williams, this English-language miniseries premieres on August 1, 2025 exclusively on Disney+.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Movie Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Eyes of Wakanda |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Anthology, Superhero, Science Fiction, Animation |
| Language | English |
| Release Date | August 1, 2025 (all 4 episodes released simultaneously) |
| Creator / Showrunner | Todd Harris |
| Writer / Director | Todd Harris |
Overview & Premise
**Eyes of Wakanda** is set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s sacred timeline and follows the elite Wakandan operatives known as the **Hatut Zaraze**—secret warriors tasked with retrieving lost Vibranium artifacts across various periods of history. Each of the four standalone episodes spans a different era, offering fresh settings and narratives tied together by Wakanda’s enduring legacy.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Todd Harris conceived the show to showcase Wakanda’s influence throughout time. “What did those intersections look like?” he reflects, incorporating expansive historical landscapes while honoring Wakanda’s identity.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Cast & Characters
- Winnie Harlow as Noni—a former Dora Milaje turned Hatut Zaraze operative.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Cress Williams as The Lion—a former Wakandan guard with ambitious designs on stolen artifacts.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Additional voice cast includes Patricia Belcher, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Zeke Alton, Steve Toussaint, Anika Noni Rose, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Gary Anthony Williams, among others.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Production & Release
**Eyes of Wakanda** marks Marvel Animation’s first anthology miniseries within the official MCU. It’s produced in partnership with Proximity Media (Ryan Coogler’s company), with Coogler serving as executive producer alongside Marvel heavyweights like Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
The animation style is a striking hand-painted look, inspired by Afrocentric visual artists like Ernie Barnes and illustrator Dean Cornwell—resulting in lush, painterly frames that echo the rhythm and motion of Wakandan warriors.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Initially slated for a 2024 release, the show was delayed multiple times (August 6 and August 27) before settling on an early release of **August 1, 2025**, when all four episodes were released simultaneously on Disney+.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
The first episode premiered earlier at the **Annecy International Animation Film Festival** on June 9, 2025, where Todd Harris discussed the ambition of portraying Wakanda’s broad historical influence.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Critical Reception & Reviews
Early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. On **Rotten Tomatoes**, the series holds a **91% approval rating**, with critics praising its lush visual style and world‑building. **Metacritic** averages a **72/100**, indicating generally favorable reviews.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Dennis Perkins of *The A.V. Club* rated it a B, describing it as “a thought-provoking, entertaining glimpse past Wakanda’s curtain,” noting the concise format works beautifully for retrospective lore-building.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Why It Matters
**Eyes of Wakanda** stands out for several reasons:
- MCU Canon Expansion: As Phase Six’s first Disney+ animated entry, it deepens Wakanda’s mythology in ways films rarely can.:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Visual Prowess: Its painterly, art-inspired animation sets a high bar for superhero storytelling.:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Anthology Format: Each episode features a distinct era, premise, and hero, allowing rich narrative variety.:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Deepening Legacy: It enriches the tapestry of Wakanda by exploring unseen eras and unsung heroes of the Hatut Zaraze.:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Summary
**Eyes of Wakanda (2025)** is a gorgeously animated anthology that broadens the scope of Wakanda’s legacy across history. Created, directed, and showrun by Todd Harris and backed by creative forces like Ryan Coogler and Kevin Feige, it launches on Disney+ on **August 1, 2025**. Through four standalone episodes, it celebrates Wakandan heroism, vibranium lore, and franchise artistry in a way only animation can achieve.
Whether you’re a Marvel die-hard or new to Wakanda’s universe, **Eyes of Wakanda** offers compelling storytelling, striking visuals, and a fresh lens on one of the MCU’s most fascinating cultures.
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