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Marvel Studios

(If you haven’t seen “Black Panther” by now, you already know spoilers are ahead.)

Erik “Killmonger” Stevens’ story in “Black Panther” just became even more tragic.

The movie’s villain, played by Michael B. Jordan, lost his father N’Jobu (Sterling K. Brown) at the hands of Wakanda’s king T’Chaka (John Kani). But it turns out that he lost his mother, too.

In the recently released Blu-Ray commentary for the movie, director Ryan Coogler shed some light on what N’Jobu and young Zuri (Denzel Whitaker) were up to in the movie’s opening scene.

Also Read: 'Black Panther,' 'Stranger Things' Lead 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards Nominations

“The idea was when you see those guys talking over the paperwork in the beginning of the film, they’re talking about a way to break her out of jail,” Coogler said. “The idea was they never got her out, and she passed away in prison, so Killmonger didn’t come up with a mom either.”

Not gonna cry. Nope. **sniff**

N’Jobu’s death is what leads Killmonger to seek revenge on Wakanda, and when T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) finds out that his father killed his uncle, it’s one of the most shocking reveals of the movie.

N’Jobu’s vision for using Wakandan tech to help the outside world eventually becomes realized, even though his son dies in the end, because Black Panther decides to help the outside world at the end of the movie — and we get to see exactly how in “Avengers: Infinity War.” Sorry though, Okoye (Danai Gurira): it’s not by building a Starbucks.

What's Next for the Cast of 'Black Panther' (Photos)

"Black Panther" is a blockbuster watershed moment, smashing both box office records and expectations for what a majority African American film can do, and launching its brilliant cast to super-stardom. Here are the next projects the film's stars have lined up.
Marvel Studios
1. Chadwick Boseman (T'Challa/Black Panther)
Boseman will next be seen reprising the role of "Black Panther" in Marvel Studios upcoming "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Untitled Avengers Part 4."
Marvel Studios
2. Michael B. Jordan (Erik "Killmonger" Stevens)
Jordan, who brought gravitas and serious political significance to the role of villain Killmonger, will next make his second appearance as boxer Adonis Johnson in "Creed 2."
Marvel Studios
3. Daniel Kaluuya (W'Kabi)
Kaluuya, already a Best Actor Oscar nominee for his breakout role in "Get Out," will next be seen in Steve McQueen's "Widows."
Universal
4. Lupita Nyong'o (Nakia)
Oscar winner Nyong'o will next be seen opposite Josh Gad in the zombie horror-comedy "Little Monsters," and is attached to the upcoming "Charlie's Angels" reboot.
Marvel Studios
5. Danai Gurira (Okoye)
Gurira practically steals the film as the head of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda's special forces. She'll be back in the role for "Avengers: Infinity War," opening in May. Until then, fans can still watch her in her breakthrough role as Michonne on AMC's "The Walking Dead."
Marvel Studios
6. Letitia Wright (Shuri)
Another "Black Panther" co-star who practically stole the film, Wright will next been seen in Steven Spielberg's "Ready Player One," which hits theaters March 29. And yes, she'll also be back for "Avengers: Infinity War" in May.
Marvel Studios
7. Forest Whitaker (Zuri)
The prolific Oscar winner has a busy slate with three more films lined up for 2018, including the thriller "How It Ends," and "LAbyrinth" about the murders of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious BIG.
Marvel Studios
8. Angela Bassett (Ramonda)
Bassett won't be showing up in "Infinity War," but you can get your fix this July with "Mission: Impossible - Fallout," where Bassett stars opposite Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill.
Marvel Studios
9. Winston Duke (M'Baku)
Duke, whose portrayal of the powerful Wakandan nobleman and uneasy ally of T'challa was a "Black Panther" fan favorite, will reprise the role in "Avengers: Infinity War."
Abrams Artists

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With “Black Panther” smashing through box office records, TheWrap takes a look at what’s next for the the cast of the global blockbuster

"Black Panther" is a blockbuster watershed moment, smashing both box office records and expectations for what a majority African American film can do, and launching its brilliant cast to super-stardom. Here are the next projects the film's stars have lined up.

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