Warning! This story contains SPOILERS for Black Panther. Proceed with caution.
Wakanda's full introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is probably the most important new location we've visited since Asgard. The mysterious African nation secretly contains the most advanced and powerful technology on the planet, even eclipsing the inventions of Tony Stark. Largely relying on the power of vibranium, this technology has resulted in the country becoming a technological utopia with some really cool toys. Black Panther is full of awesome stuff we'd love to have, but for Killmonger actor Michael B. Jordan, if forced to choose the best Wakandan technology, he opts for the bracelets, as he explained:
Wakanda is so technologically advanced that it's hard to say, but I'd probably choose the beaded bracelets.
I can't blame him, the beaded bracelets are a solid choice (those shields though...). The bracelets are actually made up of what are called Kimoyo beads. I actually wasn't entirely sure the exact function of the beads in the film because they seemed to be used for lots of things, but it turns out, that's entirely the point. The bracelets are multipurpose, and each of the beads serves a different function. You can see many Wakandans wearing these bracelets throughout the film, including Okoye, Shuri and the Dora Milaje. You can see Danai Gurira, who plays Okoye in the film, wearing the Kimoyo bead bracelet in the image below.
Probably the most impressive use of the Kimoyo beads in the film came when Nakia used a bead to stop Martin Freeman's Everett Ross from bleeding out due to a gunshot wound in his back. The bracelets aren't explicitly explained in the film, but like all Wakandan tech, they are based on the power of vibranium. I'm not sure how the vibranium countered the bullet in Everett Ross's spine, but there are is definitely more at play with this tech than just a strong metal. Perhaps it's due to the power of the heart-shaped herb and the vibranium radiation that may indicate the presence of an Infinity Stone. I do know that it's a good thing so many Wakandans are boasting this fashion statement, because when Thanos comes to town, they're going to need all the healing beads they can get.
As Michael B. Jordan told Digital Trends, picking just one piece of Wakandan tech is tough. I think more than just having some cool Wakandan tech now, I would rather just live in Wakanda. It does seem likely that the various Wakandan inventions seen in Black Panther will play a huge role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward. Similar to Tony Stark announcing that he's Iron Man to the entire world or the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D., T'Challa's reveal of Wakanda's true nature to the world and overturning the country's isolationist policies has the potential to reshape the world of the MCU as we race towards Phase 4.
You can check out all of Wakanda's coolest tech in Black Panther in theaters now. Come back after you've seen it and let us know what you thought of the film, and for all the latest in fictional technology not coming to a store near you, stay tuned to CinemaBlend.
