Who's Confirmed (And Who Isn't) to Star in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Wright will be returning as Shuri, the tech-genius Wakandan princess and younger sister to T’Challa; in fact, it’s rumored that the new movie will actually give her a bigger role – perhaps a nod to Shuri’s time as the Black Panther in the Marvel comics? Shuri remains Wright’s biggest role to date, although she does have a couple other high-profile projects in the pipeline, including the long-delayed mystery thriller Death on the Nile.

Oscar winner Nyong’o is slated to reprise her role as Nakia, the Wakandan spy who shares a romantic connection with T’Challa. Her Marvel role isn’t Nyong’o’s only major franchise: she also plays Maz Kanata (via voice acting and motion capture) in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and related media.

Gurira will bring her portrayal of Okoye, head of the Dora Milaje, back to the big screen in the Black Panther sequel. She also happens to be a true multi-hyphenate: in addition to acting in major roles like Okoye and The Walking Dead‘s Michonne, she’s a Tony-nominated playwright for her play Eclipsed.

Oscar and Emmy nominee Bassett will return as Ramonda, the queen mother of Wakanda and mom to T’Challa and Shuri. She’s spent the past few years mostly on the small screen, appearing in several seasons of American Horror Story and, most recently, starring in 9-1-1, which she also produces.

Duke is set to reprise his role as M’Baku, the ruthless but honorable leader of the Jabari tribe in Wakanda. He also appeared in the 2019 horror film Us and, most recently, the Netflix thriller Spenser Confidential.

CIA agent Ross, played by Freeman, is one of Wakanda’s reliable allies from outside their borders. Freeman, of course, has a lengthy resume that includes blockbuster titles like Sherlock and The Hobbit; most recently, he’s been focused on Breeders, a comedy series which he created, stars in, and executive produces.

Huerta is the only new cast member whose presence has been confirmed by a major media outlet (although Marvel itself has not commented on the rumors). In 2020, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Huerta would be playing the movie’s villain, although the identity of that character is still unknown. Huerta has a thriving career in Spanish-language media; to English-speaking audiences, he’s best known for playing infamous drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero on Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico.