Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverwas a difficult movie for a lot of people because of Chadwick Boseman’s untimely passing. Many comic book fans were looking forward to T’Challa and Namor interacting in live-action but more importantly, the world lost a talented and amazing person. As hard as it was for the audience, it was even more difficult for castmates and family to get through. His absence, as well as his presence, was felt throughout the film.
The cast is a talented ensemble who are all at different stages of their career. Some come from across the globe with years of experience while others are just starting out. One thing is for sure, thecohesion of the castwas pleasant. Whether new to the scene or a seasoned professional, every actor did a wonderful job in their role. Here are their previous projects worth giving a watch.
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Letitia Wright
While Shuri might have been Wright’s breakout role in Hollywood, she earned that role through her brilliant acting displayed in various British television series and movies. She appeared in one episode ofDoctor WhoandBlack Mirror. Her energy and performance in the firstBlack Pantherput her on everyone’s radar, securing her status as a talented and versatile actress.
It’s Letitia Wright’s performance inThe Silent Twinsthat truly highlights her abilities as an actor.This biopicabout Welsh twins born to Caribbean immigrants in the 1960s who only communicate with each other is an emotionally intense film. Wright masterfully portrays her character’s emotions without speaking a word in most scenes, rightfully earning herself and the film multiple award nominations.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o won an Oscar in 2014 for her role in12 Years a Slaveand has been at the top of everyone’s shortlist in the industry ever since. She elevates every production she’s a part of and her impact on the film industry can’t go unnoticed.Star Warsfans can see her as the1,000-year-old, force-sensitive pirate queen Maz Kanata. Her role doesn’t end with the sequel trilogy as she reprises her role inStar Wars: Forces of Destiny, an animated series on Disney Plus.
Lupita is no stranger to the horror genre either, finding herself front and center as Adelaide Wilson in Jordan Peele’sUs. HerBlack Panther 2castmate, Winston Duke, joined her in the film, adding a sense of familiarity between their characters. Her versatility doesn’t end there. Lupita offered her elegant voice to the narration of the documentaryWho Are You, Charlie Brown?and switched gears with the action-packedThe 355. There’s no role Lupita Nyong’o can’t handle.
Danai Gurira
Before even the firstBlack Pantherfilm, Danai Gurira was a recognizable face for comic book fans. She portrayed the samurai sword-wielding wanderer Michonne inAMC’sThe Walking Dead. However, she portrays an exceptionally emotional experience in her role as Adenike Balogun inMother of Georgewhere she stretches her acting muscles across the entire emotional spectrum.
Adenike and her husband experience difficulty conceiving children, leading to a tough decision. Gurira communicates the complicated emotions of her character vividly, making the audience feel for her and her familial pressures. It’s an impactful film with relatable themes, standout performances, and a look at a different culture.
Winston Duke
For somebody who quickly became a fan-favorite as M’Baku, Winston Duke’s resume isn’t as extensive as his castmates'. However, the acting credits he does have are worth watching. He acts opposite his castmate Lupita Nyong’o inJordan Peele’s second horror movieUs. In this, Duke technically plays two roles, showing off the range he has as an actor.
TV fans can catch Duke in seven different episodes ofPerson of Interest,but it’s his portrayal of Will in the filmNine Daysthat stands out as a performance to catch. Duke masterfully portrays Will as a vulnerable and intelligent person. Furthermore, he shows the audience a subtle contrast between his character at the beginning of the movie to his character during the second act. It’s a change that only a talented actor could depict.
Tenoch Huerta
Huerta further stretches his abilities as an action star inThe Forever Purge, the final and over-the-top film inThe Purgeseries. Most recently he finds himself in another Netflix seriesThe Chosen Onewhere he plays a a special agent from a secret organization, investigating the main character’s powers.
Dominique Thorne
Dominique Thorne isn’t only new to the MCU, she’s new to Hollywood in general. With only three acting credits to her name, it’s easy to catch up on Iron Heart’s body of work.Judas and the Black Messiahis a perfect place to start. Thorne acts beside notabletalent fromBlack Pantheralum Daniel Kaluuya to Hollywood veteran Martin Sheen. This movie follows a spy as they infiltrate the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party and report back to the FBI.
In her first movie role, Thorne got to perform with Regina King.If Beale Street Could Talkwon over 100 awards, including an Oscar with nearly twice as many nominations due to its phenomenal acting and story. If there’s one actor to keep an eye on, it’s Dominique Thorne. Her acting and choices in roles are impressive.
Martin Freeman
Besides his numerous appearances throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Martin Freeman came to prominence in his role as Sherlock Holmes' devoted friend and associate Dr. John Watson in BBC’sSherlock. Eventually, he played the younger version of Ian Holm’sBilbo Baggins inThe Hobbit.
Another noteworthy performance comes from his portrayal as Phil Rask in Crackle’s shortlived seriesStartupwhere he works alongside Adam Brody, Edi Gathegi, and Ron Perlman. Freeman’s performance is nothing short of masterful as he keeps the audience asking for more.
