Hi all, I see there is now a “Seen It” thread for Avengers: Infinity War. I’ve stayed out of it for obvious reasons, and would very much appreciate this thread staying spoiler-free for both Black Panther and Infinity War.
I usually see MCU movies in the cinema, but due to life getting seriously in the way, I haven’t been able to make time for the cinema at all in the last few months, and I missed out on seeing both Thor: Ragnorok and Black Panther on the big screen. I’ve since seen Ragnorok, but Black Panther isn’t out in the UK to view at home until May 8th.
You’ll no doubt understand my dilemma. I’m lead to understand there are some big shocks in Infinity War that I’d rather not have spoiled, and the longer I wait to see the film, the greater the chance of an accidental spoiler. On the other hand, if it won’t make any sense without having seen Black Panther, then maybe I should wait (I assume A: IW will still be in the cinemas when Black Panther comes out for home viewing - I’d like to see it in IMAX if at all possible).
Anyone who has seen both: how critical is Black Panther to understanding Infinity War?
I haven’t seen Infinity War yet, either, but from what I know or plausibly speculate, you ought to go into it with as much background knowledge on Black Panther as the movie would provide. You might be able to get away without the movie if you’re familiar with the comic books.
Having seen both: you can see Infinity War with pretty much only the knowledge of Wakanda you got from Civil War. At the end of Civil War you know that Bucky ends up in Wakanda, Wakanda’s always been a reclusive sort of place and you’ll get by with that. You don’t really need to know the inner workings of Wakanda to know what’s going on in Infinity War.
(Spoiler is for Civil War.)
I’d say, see Infinity War as soon as you can, before the spoilers start flying, and then see Black Panther afterwards. It’s worth going into Infinity War as unspoiled as you can.
No need to see Black Panther. I haven’t seen it, but did watch Infinity War yesterday, and nothing significant beyond maybe knowing which character is who had any relevance.
Thanks everyone.
I mentioned just now to Mrs Snowman that I’d started this thread, and she gave me one of her special looks and asked whether I’d checked if Black Panther is still in the cinema. Once I’d finished blustering about how movies aren’t out for long these days, she checked her phone… and the upshot is we’re going to see Black Panther this afternoon. 
I’d just assumed we’d missed it.
OK, that’ll work; regardless of whether it’s needed for Infinity War, it’s a good movie.