‘Black Panther’ Star Chadwick Boseman Knows Character is not the “Magical Negro” of the MCU; Lupita Nyong’o Teases More Film Details

‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman admitted that T’Challa is not the “magical negro” of the MCU because he has his own story arc. Co-star Lupita Nyong’o also teased the first plot details of the upcoming film.

During an interview with i09.com, Boseman insisted that his T’Challa a.k.a. Black Panther is not the “magical negro” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He said, “Well, he’s there for his own purpose. He’s not there… usually what happens is “well, he did this in this scene and now he’s doing [something else contradictory] and that doesn’t even fit the character.” That’s the Magical Negro thing. But, I think we were very cognizant about making a character that had his own through-line, his own intent and he wasn’t going to waver for anybody else’s story. Anytime that I felt like that was about to happen, I’d be like ‘nah, this is what he wants. You can do whatever you wanna do but this is what I feel like he needs to be doing.’ I feel like that’s the key.”

He added, “I think the main thing is just keeping it very clear that he has his own arc and his own things that he wants and desires. He only changes that when something strikes a chord at his core. It strikes a chord at what I think is his lineage and heritage and what he’s been taught, at what he’s been groomed to be. He can’t make that shift at the end of the movie unless he’s been groomed to make that shift already. And even though we don’t see that grooming, that’s actually the first glimpse into Wakanda before you see that tag at the very end.”

The 39-year old actor was introduced as the Prince of Wakanda in the Russo Brothers’ film ‘Captain America: Civil War’. He assumed the role following his father T’Chaka’s assassination during a terrorist attack and sided with Iron Man’s team of Avengers.

Black Panther possess the abilities of superhuman speed, strength, agility and durability and has enhanced reflexes. In addition to powers, he is an expert in hand-to-hand combat and is a master tactician. He is touted as the first black superhero in mainstream American comic books and first appeared in Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four #52’ published in July 1966.

The addition of his standalone film in the MCU is part of Marvel’s aim at increasing diversity in its films. When asked about how his character affected fans, he replied, “Obviously, I know how important it is, particularly for people of African descent. In terms of seeing everybody’s response to it, all types of people have responded to me since Civil War came out.”

Joining Boseman in the new cast are Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, and Danai Gurira. According to Collider, Nyong’o teased the first plot details of director Ryan Coogler’s new film. She said, “The story of this Black Panther is- what am I allowed to say? – The story is that the Black Panther’s leadership is really threatened by two foes who come together, and so Black Panther gets the help of the C.I.A. and the Dora Milaje to try and defeat the enemy.”

Nyong’o and Darai will play head female warriors of the Dora Milaje. Nyong’o’s Nakia will serve as a bodyguard and potential wife for Black Panther but she later transforms into the villain Malice.

‘Black Panther’ is an upcoming superhero film intended as part of the MCU’s Phase 3 to be released right after ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. It is scheduled to bow on February 16, 2018.