Rumble in Wakanda…
After screen testing a number of actors, including The Get Down’s Yahya Abdul Mateen II, Marvel announced Person of Interest’s Winston Duke will portray M’Baku; also known as Man-Ape (on a bad day).
Which takes Black Panther’s villain count up to two (maybe three),a sign that we’re going to be introduced to the complex, fully realised nation of Wakanda or an impossible jigsaw with too many pieces. Superhero movies with multiple villains, as dictated by the rules of the genre, tend to get pretty confused when there’s a bad guy overload. No one wants to watch spandex clad egotistical megalomaniacs squabble and brag for 120 minutes, we have Made in Chelsea for that.
Man-Ape has been a long time foe of the Black Panther, never getting over being only the second best warrior in Wakanda. M’Baku plotted to usurp Black Panther’s throne, alongside the outlawed White Gorilla cult, becoming their leader and gaining powers from devouring a ‘Bushtucker Trial’ meal of gorilla blood and flesh. Since his initial plan of conquering the country and returning it to a primitive state failed, Man-Ape has been a frequent member of the Lethal Legion; taking on the Avengers and losing again and again. Still, at least that way he’s not getting his arse kicked alone.
It’s likely that M’Baku will team-up with the movie’s other villain and thorn in Black Panther’s side, Erik Killmonger. Like M’Baku he wants Wakanda to return to its ancient traditions; masterminding coups and plotting to kill Black Panther. Each attempt failing spectacularly. Although, for a brief period he succeeded in becoming Wakanda’s ruler after defeating T’Challa in ritual combat. He had an off day.
Then there’s the possibility of an appearance from Ulysses Klaue-who debuted in Avengers: Age of Ultron-attempting to steal vibranium; the nation’s most valuable resource. It’s pretty much his thing. Though he might be being saved for another movie.
But at least we’ll get to see M’Baku and Killmonger unleash their genius masterplan to ‘Make Wakanda Great Again’, probably by building a wall.
Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring: Chadwick Boseman (T’Challa/Black Panther), Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia), Danai Gurira (Okoye), Michael B Jordan (Erik Killmonger) and possibly Andy Serkis (Ulysses Klaue); BLACK PANTHER will arrive in 2018.
