We’re still far off from the release of Marvel’s “Black Panther,” but here’s what we know about the film starring Chadwick Boseman so far.
“Black Panther” will be about T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), who must ascend to the throne of Wakanda when his father is assassinated. The movie picks up after the events in “Captain America: Civil War,” in which Boseman made his first appearance as Black Panther.
“Black Panther” will be released on February 16, 2018. Ryan Coogler is directing.
After popping up in “The Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Andy Serkis’ villainous character Ulysses Klaue is back.
Zuri (played by Forest Whitaker) is a warrior ally of T’Challa’s and was a trusted advisor to the king before he was assassinated.
Also returning to Marvel Cinematic Universe is Everett Ross, played by Martin Freeman. Ross had a role in “Captain America: Civil War.” He’s a the CIA director who worked to get the Avengers to sign onto the Sokovia Accords to limit their actions. At the end of that movie, he took custody of the villain Helmut Zemo (Daniel Brühl) after the Black Panther stopped him from killing himself.
Wakanda is also pretty technologically advanced, despite what the world thinks of it. For one thing, it’s the only place on Earth where Vibranium is found — the indestructible stuff that Captain America’s shield is made of, and gives Black Panther’s suit its bulletproof properties.
Michael B. Jordan plays Erik Killmonger — who became a dissident and then an exile — in the film. According to Entertainment Weekly, Jordan’s character is one of the antagonists of the film.
Angela Bassett plays Ramonda, queen of Wakanda and T’Challa’s mother.
Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba and Lupita Nyong’o are part of the Dora Milaje, a combination of Special Forces and the Secret Service, according to Entertainment Weekly.
According to Entertainment Weekly, there will be a big action scene between Nyong’o, Boseman, Gurira and Serkis in a super high-end underground casino in South Korea, reminiscent of “Casino Royale.”
Executive producer Nate Moore told EW that the film pays tribute to two cinematic classics: James Bond and “The Godfather.”
“A big, operatic family drama centered on a world of international espionage,” he said. “So hopefully we’re getting the best of both worlds.”
EW reported that Nyong’o is not only Wakanda’s undercover operative Nakia, but also a former lover of T’Challa’s.
“Get Out” star Daniel Kaluuya plays T’Challa’s best friend, who is the head of security for the Border Tribe, executive producer Nate Moore told EW.
Black Panther’s skills include enhanced speed, strength, night vision and healing ability. He has incredible martial arts skills and also has sharp retractable claws.
Winston Duke plays M’Baku, also known as Man-Ape, one of the villains T’Challa will most probably fight in the film.