Black Panther’s casting genius just doesn’t quit.CreedhelmerRyan Coogleris expected to roll into production on his Marvel debut any day now, and it’s been a joy watching him assemble the pieces of his outstanding ensemble in the months leading up to it. The latest addition is the Emmy-winning and Golden Globe-nominated star ofThe People v. O.J. SimpsonSterling K. Brown, who Marvel confirms will take on the role of N’Jobu, “a figure from T’Challa aka Black Panther’s past.”
Here’s a breakdown of the first-rate cast Coogler has put together so far. In addition toChadwick Boseman, who made his impressive debut as the titular Wakandan king, spiritual figure, and superhero inCivil War,Black Pantherhas also lined upMichael B. Jordanas the villainous Killmonger,Lupita Nyong’oas the Wakandan warrior Nakia,Angela Bassettas as T’Challa’s mother, Romonda, andWinston Dukeas a key villain M’Baka, nee “Man-Ape”. Other recent additions includeForest Whitakeras Zuri, an elder statesman of Wakanda.Daniel Kaluuya(Get Out),Danai Gurira(The Walking Dead) and the return ofAndy SerkisasAge of Ultron’s low-tier baddie Ulysses Claw andCaptain America: Civil WarstandoutFlorence Kasumbaas a member of T’Challa’s personal guard, the Dora Milaje.
At this point, the only threat is too much of a good thing, considering that’s an awful lot of characters and villains, but Coogler’s first two films have demonstrated nothing but sound narrative command and Marvel has cast the best of the best, even down to the thankless bit parts (Frank Grillo’s Crossbones, Enver Gjokaj as a one-line cop, Amy Landecker as a random nurse and Scott Adkins as the floating stooge inDoctor Strange, etc).
Black Pantheris scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 30, 2025. For more of the latest news, check out the links below.
