The Black Panther universe continues to expand despite the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. The feature film sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to start production, and even more Wakanda-based projects are on the way beyond that. Now, it appears a key figure in the Black Panther universe may get more time to shine, with Walking Dead vet Danai Gurira reportedly being given a television spinoff on Disney+.
Dora Milaje’s top general Okoye is rumored to be the subject of her own Disney+ series, according to Deadline. Not much is known about the proposed Disney+ series beyond that, since neither Marvel nor Disney have offered up confirmations that it's definitely happening. This rumor came on the heels of Danai Gurira’s possible return for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and news that a separate Wakanda-set TV series is in the works for the streaming service. If the series were to happen, it wouldn’t be the first time a Dora Milaje would pop up on Disney+.
Danai Gurira’s fellow Dora Milaje Florence Kasumba popped up in the miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, with her character Ayo shutting things down as she and other Dora Milaje came to retrieve Daniel Bruhl’s Helmut Zemo. So, if Danai Gurira's alleged series were to happen, Marvel fans (myself included) would expect nothing more than total badassery. Hopefully, though, viewers would get to learn more about different sides to Okoye's personality, not to mention Ayo and any other characters who would be featured.
Giving Okoye a spinoff series definitely isn’t a bad idea. Out of all the characters in Black Panther (besides Kilmonger and the titular hero), the Dora Milaje general was all audiences could talk about. Danai Gurira’s performance was a complicated one, as the character mixed vulnerability and strength without sacrificing one for the other, building upon her Walking Dead performances. Whether it’s her fight with Kilmonger or disagreements with Daniel Kaluuya’s W’Kabi, Gurira left an impression on the audience. So, having a series centered around Okoye would be a fantastic way to capitalize on the character’s popularity.
The rumored Okoye spinoff series would just be one of several Black Panther-related projects being developed. After inking a major five-year deal with Disney, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and the House of Mouse announced a television series based on the world of Wakanda that is currently already in development. That drama series would be centered around the citizens of the technologically advanced society. Given Okoye’s prominence in Wakanda, it wouldn’t be surprising if Danai Gurira popped up in the new series before heading up her own spinoff.
If both the Wakanda TV series and the rumored Okoye spinoff series are indeed in the works, that would show just how committed the House of Mouse is to expand the Black Panther universe. This shouldn’t so be surprising, given the critical reception, box-office success, and inspirational impact Black Panther had. The anticipation for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever proves just how popular and important the franchise is, especially after the synopsis was released. Hopefully, all this Black Panther content points toward more Wakanda-related content in the future.
The Okoye Disney+ series would finally put Danai Gurira in the standalone spotlight she deserves, even as the Black Panther cast deals with the lack of Boseman’s presence. Only time will tell if and when Marvel fans see this rumored spinoff come to fruition. But until that happens, you can catch Gurira and other returning cast members when Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrives in theaters on July 8, 2022.
