Now that 2018 is very nearly upon us, the next Marvel movie is only a few short weeks away. In their earliest release yet, the studio will deliver Black Panther to us in February and ahead of its incoming arrival, Empire’s latest issue has taken a deep dive into the world of Wakanda and given us a ton of new photos to feast on.
As well as Chadwick Boseman’s King T’Challa, much of the movie’s cast are highlighted in these images. One sees Michael B. Jordan’s villainous Killmonger confronting the titular Wakandan ruler, while another teases an epic fight scene between the enemies who are seen suited up as the Black Panther and Golden Jaguar, respectively. T’Challa’s best pal W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), wise mentor Zuri (Forrest Whitaker), government official Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and criminal Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) are also featured in the gallery, which you can check out for yourself down below.
Most of all, these images remind us what an awesome female cast Black Panther sports. Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira appear as Nakia and Okoye, two of Wakanda’s finest warriors, while Angela Basset and Letitia Wright star as Ramonda and Shuri, T’Challa’s mother and sister, respectively. All of these actresses are sure to be highlights in the film and it’s great to see that Marvel is ticking off two much-needed corrections in one fell swoop – a non-Caucasian leading man and more major roles for women.
Mixed in with the stills are also a few behind the scenes shots which show director Ryan Coogler chatting with and giving pointers to his cast. Previously, Coogler explained that he’ll depict Black Panther as operating in a “grey area,” as he has to judge his decisions against his status as a king, politician and soldier, even without considering that he’s a bonafide superhero. Intrigued, yet?
Black Panther leaps into theaters on February 16th, 2018.
