I caught “Black Panther” last week and it was pretty good! However, it has a sprawling cast that’s difficult to keep track of. It’s partly due to the fact that I’m not all that familiar with Black Panther lore, and the only character that I’ve seen in other media (besides the comics) is Ulysses Klaue. I mean, besides Black Panther, that is.
Both my viewing partner and I are (casual) Marvel fans, and even we had trouble keeping things straight. So here’s a short guide to each of the 12 characters! Yes, they’re all important and they all play important roles in the plot. That’s why you need to know who they are.
1. Black Panther/T’Challa – The Hero
(Chadwick Boseman)
You should already know who Black Panther is. Really. The movie is named after him.
In any case, the film takes place sometime during the events of “Captain America: Civil War”, so it’s after Black Panther has assumed the Wakandan throne.
2. Killmonger/Erik Stevens – Black Panther’s Nemesis and Cousin (highlight for spoilers)
(Michael B. Jordan)
He’s the bad guy of the movie. Also, there are some other ways that he’s connected to Black Panther, and you can highlight the spoiler above if you’d like to find out.
3. Nakia – Black Panther’s Love Interest
(Lupita Nyong’o)
Black Panther’s on-again, off-again girlfriend. Actually I’m not even sure what’s their relationship status is. Probably “It’s complicated”. Fortunately, there’s no love triangle, so no worries there.
4. Okoye – Black Panther’s Bodyguard
(Danai Gurira)
She arguably fights better than Black Panther, just that she doesn’t have enhanced attributes or razor sharp panther claws. Important note: she is W’Kabi’s girlfriend (Black Panther’s Political Friend).
5. W’Kabi – Black Panther’s Political Friend
(Daniel Kaluuya)
He’s sort of like the General Manager for Wakanda – while Black Panther is off on his adventures around the world, W’kabi does all the boring, logistical stuff at home. Notably, he’s Okoye’s boyfriend, something you might forget along the way.
6. Ramona – Black Panther’s Mother
(Angela Bassett)
Black Panther’s mother. She’s also grieving from the loss of her husband (which happens not too long before the movie’s main story begins), and she is a strong, dignified, maternal figure in the film.
7. Shuri – Black Panther’s Sister
(Letitia Wright)
She can be best described as a “spunky sister”. She’s also good with technology. Shuri looks awesome in most of the images, but the first time we see her in the film, she looks awful (something that Black Panther points out).
8. Ulysses Klaue – Black Panther’s Other Bad Guy
(Andy Serkis)
I didn’t actually know his surname was spelt “Klaue” until I read the subtitles (when the other characters are speaking in what I presume is the Wakandan language). I thought it’d be “Klaw”, like in the comics and animated series, and this misconception has persisted for quite a number of years (since “Avengers: Age of Ultron“). Anyways, he’s the other token white guy. And yes, he gets a sonic blaster for an arm.
9. Zuri – Black Panther’s Surrogate Father
(Forest Whitaker)
Although Black Panther’s father appears in the film, the main character is mostly guided and mentored by Zuri. Not entirely sure if he has powers though.
10. Everett K. Ross – Black Panther’s Token White Friend
(Martin Freeman)
They really struggle to find meaningful things for Ross to do in the film, so he plays the token white guy role to a T. He has some scenes where he shine, but they’re not all that important.
11. M’Baku – Black Panther’s Political Rival
(Winston Duke)
Of course, Black Panther’s throne has to be under threat, so here’s a necessary plot complication. He plays a bigger role later though.
12. T’Chaka – Black Panther’s Real Father (Deceased)
(John Kani)
The still above is from “Captain America: Civil War” as I can’t find one from the movie itself. T’Chaka’s passing is the push factor for many of Black Panther’s actions, so he’s an important part of the film. He appears in flashbacks and such.
Hopefully, this primer to the characters of “Black Panther” will prep you for the film (or clarify lingering doubts)! Was it helpful for you?
You may also want to read:
- [Movie Review] ‘Black Panther’ is part spy movie, part political drama
- [Movie Review] “Avengers: Age of Ultron” takes an unexpected turn
- [Movie Review] ‘Captain America: Civil War’ raises the bar for superhero films
Image Credits: Black Panther Facebook Page, Comic Book, Walt Disney Pictures
This is an original article on marcusgohmarcusgoh.com
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I’m a Singapore television scriptwriter who’s written for Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Police & Thief, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.
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