Black Panther arrived on cinema screens across the world in 2018 to a global standing ovation. It received critical praise in many categories, the film has been lauded as a cultural landmark.
The predominantly Black cast portrayed complex, nuanced, and relatable characters that made the viewers wish that they could be on screen at all times. However, for the sake of the story, some characters received more screen time than others. However, one thing is certain: each character is memorable in their way.
Least: M'Baku
M'Baku is one of the secondary antagonists of the film. As the leader of T'Challa's rival tribe, he provides a different set of beliefs throughout the film and challenges T'Challa's way of thinking. His interactions with T'Challa, particularly after his "death," are that of two brothers bickering, but who will each other by any means necessary.
He also provides some comic relief with his fair share of dark jokes, including threatening to feed Agent Ross to his children, only to reveal that they are vegetarians.
Most: Everett K. Ross
Agent Ross is the closest outsider to bridge the gap between Wakanda and the outside world, making his relationship with the nation a very grey one. This is made even more apparent with his interactions with Klaue.
His presence in the film is purely as a side character, rather than as a white savior, which is also an important route that the film took. For example, Ross assists Shuri during the battle against Killmonger, while it is her ideas and directions that are the main focus of the scene.
Least: Ramonda
Ramonda is the Queen Mother of Wakanda and, although she is not a main character in the story, she has one of the most sympathetic portrayals in the film. At her very core, she is a mother, worrying about and raising her two children, which comes through beautifully in Angela Bassett's portrayal.
Throughout the film, she is the portrait of dignity and grace, which only adds to her representation as a regal figure.
Most: Okoye
Okoye is another example of a strong female character. She is the leader of an all-female group of warriors and she has a sort of sisterly bond with T'Challa, as she constantly teases him about his ex, Nakia, yet her loyalty to him is unwavering.
Okoye does not get a lot of screen time compared to T'Challa or Shuri, but she is often shown in battle scenes defending the kingdom.
Least: Zuri
Zuri, despite his limited screen time, holds a great deal of significance as a character. As an elder of the tribe, he is deeply connected to the Wakanda culture and its spirituality, which makes for a humanizing experience for the viewer.
Before he is killed by Killmonger, he reveals his involvement in the killing of the latter's father to T'Challa. He represents a direct link to T'Challa's turmoil about his father as an imperfect figure and his role as a leader.
Most: Shuri
Shuri might be one of the most relatable characters in the film, so the fact that she gets her fair share of screen time is a bonus. Not only is she T'Challa's mischievous younger sister who constantly keeps him down to Earth, but she is also a genius that gives Tony Stark a run for his money.
She is an amazing role model for anyone who watches her on-screen, as she embodies the perfect balance between carefree and tech-savvy. Her creativity and inventiveness are actively praised, and her work is valued in her society.
Least: Ulysses Klaue
Not only is this character memorable because of the amazing portrayal by Andy Serkis, but also because of what he represents. He is a wild and slightly deranged character, who is purely out for himself and his greed.
He is killed halfway through the film by Erik after he refuses to take the latter to Wakanda. Although he is not the focus of the film, it would have been interesting to see where the character went with a little extra screen time.
Most: Erik "Killmonger" Stevens
Killmonger is the primary antagonist of the film and T'Challa's foil. Phenomenally acted by Michael B. Jordan, Killmonger is a man suffering from years of cultural and generational trauma who is trying to avenge, not only his father but his whole race.
He represents the main conflict in the film because he wants to arm his fellow Black Americans against their oppressors. It is, unfortunately, a very real topic in American society, but his portrayal of it on screen is all the more important.
Least: T'Chaka
T'Challa's father lost his life during a terrorist attack in Captain America: Civil War, so he is only present in T'Challa's visions throughout the film. This results in him having the least screen time out of all the film's characters.
However, his presence is important, as it represents T'Challa's development from a naive leader to a confident king. He learns from his father's mistakes and then decides to forge his path. T'Chaka's ission of his past mistakes also serves to further humanize him for the audience.
Most: T'Challa
Known within the MCU as "Black Panther," T'Challa is the prince of Wakanda. He experiences many upheavals as he deals with finding out the existence of his cousin and realizing that his father is not as perfect as he once thought.
Since this film revolves around his story and development, it is understandable that he receives the most screen time. This allows viewers to see him as a leader, brother, son, and, ultimately, a human. This, along with Chadwick Boseman's masterful acting, makes T'Challa a phenomenal character.
