Cast and Characters From Wakanda Forever

The Black Panther movies based primarily in the fictional location of Wakanda were groundbreaking and revolutionary in many ways. How many people will name their children after the characters or actors in the original series has yet to be determined in detail. Whether or not that trend will continue or start anew with the release of Black Panther Wakanda Forever, or Black Panther 2 also remains to be seen.

What is certain, is that there seems to be a great deal of interest not only in the movie itself, but in the cast and the characters made famous in Wakanda. As such, it seemed a fitting tribute to create a concise article highlighting many of the most popular characters from the original Black Panther movie, and like you, wait with some sense of anticipation about who will be making their reappearance in Black Panther Wakanda Forever.

The original Black Panther movie was perhaps most notable as it was the first major production with a complete budget, a black superhero, and a majority black cast. It may, in some lights, indicate a regenerative pride in the African history of many African Americans as well as others from around the world. Where Africa may be traditionally portrayed in less than a favorable light, the Black Panther movie allowed for the full potential of Africa to shine through in vibrant colors and in a vivid display of what could be in a more just world.

Rather than seeking to distract from the message portrayed in the film however, this article will focus on the names of the characters from the Black Panther movies and the many fine actors and actresses whose portrayals made the movie such a success. Somewhere, Stan Lee is smiling and looking down, waiting, like all of us, to see what comes from the return of Black Panther in Wakanda Forever.

Characters From Black Panther Wakanda Forever

Black Panther – The Black Panther character was originally conceptualized by artist Jack Kirby and made his debut in Fantastic Four Number 52 in July of 1966. His alter ego, or more limited human character was T’Challa, but after his meeting with the Fantastic Four, he grew determined to put his powers to more beneficial use for all humanity, rather than merely seeking to protect his homeland alone.

The character was portrayed on screen by Chadwick Boseman, though in a fitting tribute, the role will not be reinvented, but rather an exploration around the passing of this character will feature prominently in the new film. This seems especially fitting as the original character was so groundbreaking in a 1960s comic book, and the revolutionary nature of the film and the traditions and taboos terminated in film.

Ayo – Ayo is the second in command of the Dora Milaje and has the responsibility to guard the Golden Tribe. Her first duties were to protect T’Chaka and T’Challa, though when Killmonger took over, she remained faithful to her duties and her vows, and not to any individual. She is portrayed in the movies to date by actress Florence Kasumba, who has maintained the role throughout its cinematic existence.

Linda – She was the lover and confidante of N’Jadaka whom she only apparently knew as Killmonger. Linda aided him in the original capture of the Vibranium weapons held in the museum. She was ultimately killed by N’Jadaka when she allowed herself to be captured and held as a hostage. She was portrayed in the original Black Panther movie by Nabiyah Be.

Lord M’Baku – He is the leader of the Jabari tribe, a separatist group who does not believe in using the powers of the Vibrainium or actively engaging with modern society at first. The role of Lord M’Baku was taken up by Winston Duke, and while the role was relatively limited in the original Black Panther movie, his character has become increasingly relevant within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Merchant Tribe Elder – There are some cases where it can be challenging to determine whether the character itself or the actors and actresses who portray them are more amazing. Such is the case with the Actress Dorothy Steel who started and ended her career with Black Panther and Black Panther Wakanda Forever.

True to her name, she was strong as steel in both her portrayal and as a professional actress who began her acting career at the age of 88 years old. Unfortunately, her talent and tenacity were lost recently when she passed at the age of 95.

Mining Tribe Elder – The Tribal Elders of Wakanda were responsible for supporting the King, though all had the right to challenge the passing to a new King at such a time as the Tribal Council was in session, and there was an active challenger to the throne of Wakanda. The Mining Tribe Elder was stoically portrayed by actress Connie Chiume whose looming presence and demeanor commanded respect both on and off screen.

M’Kathu – The leader of the Border Tribe as portrayed by Danny Sapani, will be brought back in the Black Panther 2 Wakanda Forever movie. He is the Elder of the Border Tribe and in the original Black Panther Movie, noted that he would not challenge T’Challa for the throne of Wakanda.

N’Jadaka – He was forced to change his name to Erik Stevens in order to get by in the “real world” after political reprisals saw his father killed. His father, to be fair, sought to use the power of Wakanda for his own gain, and to take over the world. However, this character as portrayed by Michael B. Jordan seems to merit as much pity as he does fear and respect.

He had not been party to the plans of his father, and seems to have suffered due to no fault of his own, leading him to become known as Killmonger, seeking to make his way back to Wakanda. At the time of his death, the audience is left feeling both sympathetic and sad for his passing.

N’Jobu – N’Jobu is the brother of T’Chaka and the uncle of T’Challa, also being the father of N’Jadaka or Killmonger, meaning that T’Challa and N’Jadaka were blood cousins and both of Royal lineage. This character was brought to life by Sterling K. Brown and took us through an introduction to the War Dogs, and through his son, back to the Golden Tribe.

Nakia – Nakia seemed to be as adept at breaking hearts as she was as a warrior busting heads. The role of Nakia will see a return in Black Panther 2 Wakanda Forever and be portrayed by the very same actress. She is as talented as she is traveled in every sense of the word.

The daughter of a Kenyan politician, Lupita Amondi Nyong’o was born in Mexico City, but raised in Kenya. She ultimately attended college at Hampshire College in the United States of America where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Theater Studies.

Nomble – Nomble is a member of the Dora Milaje and an accomplished and skilled warrior who prefers working with her Vibranium Spear. Whether up close and personal as a hand-to-hand weapon, or at a distance via way of a Javelin-like delivery, Nomble, portrayed by Janeshia Adams-Ginyard is every bit as beautiful as she is deadly.

Okoye – Okoye is the General of the Dora Milaje and like those below her, remains loyal to her vows and obligations and not to any individual. Like others of the Dora Milaje, Okoye has proven that when it comes to a choice between loyalty to their oath or loyalty to an individual, she will remain faithful to her vows.

Ramonda – The Queen Mother of Wakanda, as portrayed in the movie by Angela Basset, is a stoic, heroic, and inspiring figure. She was forced into exile when T’Challa was defeated by T’Jadaka, only to discover her son was still alive, though barely. Her healing touch using the Heart-Shaped Herb allowed for the rightful King of Wakanda to resume his place on the throne.

River Tribe Elder – This character played a relatively minor but important role in the original Black Panther Movie and makes his return with Isaach de Bankolé retaining his place as the actor. (See also Isaack)

Shuri, Princess of Wakanda (See also Shiri) – This role was originally portrayed by Letitia Michelle Wright who was born in Guyana, but came to fame in the United Kingdom where she became famous as an actress. True to her character, she was believed originally to have incurred minor injuries when a stunt on set went wrong.

In reality, the injuries were much more severe and filming was halted to allow her time to recover in full. Fortunately, she was able to complete filming and will enjoy a more prominent in the upcoming Black Panther 2, Wakanda Forever.

T’Chaka – T’Chaka is the former Black Panther, brother of N’Jobu, father of T’Challa, and uncle of N’Jadaka. After he determines that his brother has forsaken his vows to Wakanda and is seeking a global takeover, he kills his brother, sparing his nephew, only to have it open up a lifelong quest for revenge. The character is portrayed by actor John Kani in the first and original Black Panther movie.

W’Kabi – This character may have had some issues in the first film, but seemingly not without at least some rightful concerns. Most of these stemmed from his consternation about T’Challa not successfully killing the man who killed his parents. As such, the character portrayed so well by Daniel Kaluuya was both believable and forgivable to some degree.

Xoliswa – This is the person who may be most responsible for the name of the upcoming Black Panther; Wakanda Forever title. Xoliswa as portrayed by Sydelle Noel, she was an elite member of the Dora Milaje but was unfortunately captured by N’Jadaka in the final battle of the first Black Panther movie during the Battle of Mount Bashenga. After being overpowered, a sword was held to her throat, and her last words before being killed were “Wakanda Forever”.

Yes, you may have noted there are some characters missing from this list, especially in terms of the movies within the Marvel Comic Universe, but outside the realm of Wakanda forever. You can still find those characters in other lists, but this particular piece is dedicated to Wakanda Forever, and the dreams and hopes that Wakanda keeps alive.