After the death of his father, Prince T'Challa returns home from America to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader. However, he is soon challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, he assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with girlfriend Nakia, the queen mother, his princess kid sister, members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan 'special forces') and an American secret agent, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.