Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther was a cultural milestone in every sense of the phrase. Not only did it redefine the importance of comic book films, earning the genre’s first Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards, but it also brought minority groups into the spotlight. The most prominent, and more than likely, most discussed aspect of the production was its nearly total use of black entertainers, both in front of and behind the camera.
But women make their presence known in the film as well, if not more so.
First off, there’s Shuri (Letitia Wright), T’Challa’s royal sister who’s not only quick-witted, but also responsible for wielding Wakanda’s most precious resource: vibranium. Next, there’s Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), the woman who got away from our hero. But it wasn’t for a silly reason like she found someone else. No, Nakia decided to venture outside the gates of her hometown nation and help those in need.
And finally, there’s Okoye (Danai Gurira), T’Challa’s staff-wielding, proudly bald-headed badass of a general. Of the three women, she played the most prominent role in Infinity War and Endgame, and now it seems the character’s officially coming back for Black Panther 2.
While T’Challa’s second solo adventure wasn’t one of the many properties Marvel Studios announced at SDCC last weekend, President Kevin Feige did mention that the film’s in the early stages of development. And in a recent interview with MTV, Gurira not only confirmed that fact, but also announced that out of the few things known about the project, Okoye’s presence is one of them.
Here’s what she had to say:
“Literally, I have no information. That’s the beauty of our conversation right now: my brain is vacant. Oh, Mr. Coogler says, ‘tell ’em we’re working hard and you’re in it.'”
So, while we eagerly await any official announcements regarding Black Panther 2, we want to know your thoughts. What do you think of Gurira’s character and are you excited to see her come back and play a more important role again? Let us know in the usual place below.
