Black Panther has been obliterating box office records and has had people screaming "Wakanda forever!" since its release on February 16, 2018. Like the Marvel films before it, Black Panther features loads of hidden clues for hardcore fans and memorable performances by some amazing players. The cast of Black Pantherboasts both revered Hollywood legends and exciting up-and-coming talent.
While watching T'Challa and Killmonger duke it out, you may have been wondering about all the places you've seen the Black Pantheractors before. Some past projects featuring Black Panther actors are 2018 Oscar nominees, while others are obscure but worth-the-watch films and shows you need to add to your queue ASAP. Here are some of the movies and TV shows featuring some of your favorite citizens of Wakanda.
Chadwick Boseman may have kicked some serious butt playing T'Challa in Captain America: Civil Warand Black Panther, but he didn't start out there. His most prominent role before landing a superhero in the MCU was playing Jackie Robinson in the biographical sports film 42.
You may have also caught him appearing in episodes of Persons Unknown and Lincoln Heights, but 42 was the role that put him on the map.
Michael B. Jordan's excellent portrayal of Erik Killmonger in Black Panther has critics and fans alike calling him one of the best villains in the MCU. He wasn't always a bad guy, though; he played Johnny Storm - AKA the Human Torch - in 2015's Fantastic Four. Jordan took some flack for his performance as Johnny Storm and he has gone on record saying he hoped he could make up for that film with Black Panther. Mission accomplished.
He also gained prominence for portraying Adonis "Donnie" Johnson Creed in the 2015 film, Creed. His next project will see him return to the role in Creed 2, which will be directed by Sylvester Stallone.
Lupita Nyong'o has been absolutely killing it in Hollywood since her 2013 breakout role of Patsey in 12 Years a Slave. She earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Steve McQueen-directed film.
Since then, she portrayed Maz Kanata in Star Wars: The Force Awakensand Raksha in The Jungle Book. For her role as Maz Kanata, she didn't only provide her vocal talent; she also acted out the performance via motion capture.
Danai Gurira played Okoye in Black Panther, which is fitting for a woman you may recognize as Michonne on AMC's The Walking Dead. Gurira has been playing the sword-wielding survivor on the series since she first debuted in 2012.
Gurira's time on The Walking Dead has certainly elevated her career, and it probably didn't hurt in landing the role of General Okoye, one of Wakanda's greatest warriors. While she had roles in film and television beginning in 2004, TWD is where most fans will recognize her.
Daniel Kaluuya has been blowing up in Hollywood since his breakout performance as Chris Washington in the 2017 film Get Out. He has received nominations for just about every entertainment award for his performance as Chris Washington, including the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Get Out was hardly his only performance before landing the role of W'Kabi in Black Panther. He played Black Death in Kick-Ass 2and was incredible as Bing in the Black Mirror episode "Fifteen Million Merits".
Letitia Wright has certainly made a name for herself with her portrayal of Shuri, T'Challa's younger sister in Black Panther. While she may technically be Disney's newest princess, she has some other roles to look back on with pride.
Before Black Panther, she landed a recurring role as Renie on Humans and has popped up in episodes of Doctor Who and Cucumber. She also had a substantial role in the Season 4 finale of Black Mirror, "Black Museum."
