If there's no such thing as hearing too much about Marvel's upcoming Black Panther movie, then take some time to check out Entertainment Weekly's Black Panther cover. The movie is highlighted as part of their Comic-Con issue and both the cover and the video that accompanies the explanatory article give fans a new look at the world of Wakanda. T'Challa was one of the breakout stars of Captain America: Civil War — alongside Peter Parker, of course — and his upcoming film marks a refreshing departure from the Marvel formula of white male superheroes. Nowhere is that more evident than on this cover, which features stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, and Lupita Nyong'o in costume and ready to do battle.
In the movie we will reportedly see T’Challa as he returns home to take his place on the throne as the King of Wakanda, following the death of his father, according to EW. T’Challa works hard to protect the palace as major enemies, Erik Killmonger and Ulysses Klaue, join forces in an attempt to overthrow the newly minted ruler from his kingdom.
Wakanda, the fictional African nation which is said to be chock-full of enviable riches and technological resources, has caused the country to become an inevitable target. However, T’Challa as the Black Panther has enlisted the help of CIA agent Everett Ross and members of special forces team, Dora Milaje to prevent the start of a world war.
A look at the full cast reveals an amazing range of talent and the lineup couldn’t be anymore perfect.
T’Challa / Black Panther
Boseman, who has been cast in the role of Marvel’s very first black superhero, T’Challa aka Black Panther, takes center stage as he gears up to protect his family’s legacy in Wakanda.
Ramonda
The iconic Angela Bassett plays T’Challa’s mother and former queen of Wakanda. She becomes one of his major advisors as he succeeds his father’s reign.
Shuri
Actor Letitia Wright plays T’Challa’s younger sister, who is the brains behind a lot of the technological advances that have taken place in Wakanda.
Okoye
As head of the Dora Milaje, Okoye (portrayed by Walking Dead star Danai Gurira) runs the special unit of female soldiers that protects T’Challa and the Wakandan kingdom.
Erik Killmonger
Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan — who will portray Panther’s nemesis, Erik Killmonger (left) — appears to be prepared to threaten T’Challa’s reign in Wakanda.
Nakia
Academy Award winning actor Lupita Nyong’o will play Nakia, a member of the special forces group, Dora Milaje. She also happens to be T’Challa’s love interest.
W’Kabi
Daniel Kaluuya plays T’Challa’s best friend. He's also got an important role in the nation’s border tribe.
Zuri
Forest Whitaker is a shaman who was a former advisor to T’Challa’s fallen father. Zuri holds custody of Wakanda’s beloved Heart-Shaped Herb, the plant which gives T’Challa his superhuman strength.
The Black Panther movie has certainly been a long time coming. There's never been a superhero movie of its kind that's included a predominately black cast. And now that the world is finally ready for something of this magnitude, February 2018 cannot get here quick enough.
