We were already excited when we learned that Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong'o had joined the cast of Marvel's Black Panther. Now that we know who the two will be playing, things are only getting bigger. Today during Marvel's panel at San Diego Comic-Con, both accomplished actors were in attendance and we got to learn who the two will be playing. Michael B. Jordan will be playing Erik Killmonger, while Lupita Nyong'o will have the role of Nakia, a member of T'Challa's personal guard.
While reports had both actors added to the Black Panther movie a couple of months ago, Marvel opened their big SDCC panel this year with a great deal of news about the film. Both Michael B Jordan and Lupita N'yong'o looked ready to get to work. Who exactly are these characters, however? We're glad you asked.
Michael B. Jordan's character of Killmonger is likely the primary antagonist of the film. The character, whose given name is actually N'Jadaka, was exiled from Wakanda by Black Panther's father in the comics, and as such, he has a permanent hatred of the family that rules over the country. While it's certainly possible that this version of Killmonger will have some differences from his comic book counterpart, we're fairly certain that Killmonger will be making life difficult for Black Panther.
It's not surprising that Michael B. Jordan found his way into Black Panther. His Creed director Ryan Coogler is also helming Black Panther, and, in turn, it was likely his work directing Jordan and the rest of the cast that helped him get the job.
Lupita N'yong'o is likely also going to be playing a villain in Black Panther. While her character of Nakia is traditionally a member of the Black Panther's personal guard, the Dora Milaje, she takes the role a bit more seriously than others. The traditional purpose of the Dora Milaje is to help the king choose a queen from among the strongest women in Wakanda. While T'Challa does not see the women in this way, Nakia is apparently the jealous type. There will be at least one other member of Dora Milaje in the film. Marvel also announced that _The Walking Dead's _Danai Gurira, will be taking the role of Okoye.
THe Black Panther movie is shaping up to be something special. We can't wait to see what happens next.
