Erik Killmonger, the antagonist of 2018's Marvel Cinematic Universe as he can even function as an antihero from a certain perspective. While his actions are definitely extreme and negative, the motives behind those actions actually carry some rationality and logic.
A critic of modern imperialism and a proponent of social equality, Killmonger feels that his cousin T'Challa and the kingdom of Wakanda can help marginalized societies from all over the world in ri against their oppressors. Most of his dialogue bears testimony to his vision of a new and more equal society, proving that he is much more than just a formulaic evil villain.
Powerful Last Words
"Just Bury Me In The Ocean With My Ancestors Who Jumped From Ships..."
Killmonger is pretty adamant when it comes to his ideals. So, even when he loses the fight against T'Challa, he refuses to be healed from his wounds. Staring at the sun, he just wishes to die peacefully knowing that he fought for his mission to the very end. The movie's third act makes for one of the most heartbreaking deaths in the MCU.
This quote finds him referring to all the people who have been unjustly enslaved and sent off to colonies in ships. However, rather than being chained up in these ships, Killmonger relates with the "ancestors who jumped from ships, 'cause they knew death was better than bondage."
An Arrogant Fighter
"Is This Your King?...Nah, I'm Your King!"
The MCU villain's sudden arrival in Wakanda takes everyone by surprise. And when he defeats T'Challa in the ritual combat, he pushes him down a waterfall to proclaim his power over Wakanda. Killmonger makes his plans of global revolution evident to the general Wakandan populace.
The powerful Black Panther quote also shows the differences between the two royals of the kingdom. While T'Challa wishes to continue with an isolationist policy for Wakanda's governance, Killmonger believes that his kingship can lead Wakanda into the future and turn the country into a force that can rival other superpowers of the world.
All Part Of The Plan
"I Trained, I Lied, I Killed Just to Get Here."
Before making his presence felt in Wakanda, Killmonger had gone through a lot. Serving the American armed forces as a black-ops Navy SEAL, Killmonger killed various people in the US, Afghanistan, and Iraq, as and when his duty demanded. As is evident from the markings on his body, he has taken the lives of many.
"I took life from my own brothers and sisters right here on this continent!" He laments while saying how the purpose of all this violence was to ultimately lead him to his roots. An interesting aspect of his monologue is that he is at least reflective enough to understand that his actions in previous wars might have led to collateral damage.
Asking The Uncomfortable Questions
"How Do You Think Your Ancestors Got These?"
Donning a denim jacket and glasses, Killmonger casually walks through a museum exhibit and examines artifacts from Wakanda. His anti-colonial sentiments are clear from his sarcastic tone as the museum's curator tells him that the objects aren't for sale.
Killmonger reiterates the fact that the European and American establishments house artifacts that were looted and plundered from colonized territories. This holds true for both the fictional country of Wakanda and its real-world counterparts. "Do you think they paid a fair price?" Killmonger asks the curator while referring to her ancestors. Such moments show that his anger comes from a violent and unjust past that oppressed communities had to endure.
Laying Out His Plan
"It's Time They Know The Truth !"
Right from the very start, Killmonger makes his expansionist ideology obvious. Instead of building peace with the First World nations, he feels that it is time for Wakanda to rise up and wage a war with its vibranium weaponry.
Killmonger's confidence also stems from the fact that he has already mapped out his plan for a large-scale revolution. Arming Wakanda's "War Dogs" with vibranium can help in aiding oppressed people from all over the world to rise against the ones in power. In this way, he would succeed in putting Wakanda on the map of the world while embarking on his own reign of terror.
Getting Right Down To Business
"I Want The Throne."
One of the best Killmonger scenes in Black Panther includes his arrival at the Wakandan court. Confidently looking the royals in the eye, he states that he wants the nation's throne.
When T'Challa and the others question his origin, Killmonger speaks in Wakandan and reveals that he's the son of N'Jobu and hence, has a legitimate claim to the throne. However, this is not just an empty claim as he backs up his statement with logical arguments to revamp Wakanda. So, Killmonger is not just a one-dimensional villain who wants a throne for the sake of his royal birth. He is a man with a plan and he's hellbent on achieving its fruition.
Why He's So Ruthless
"I Learned From My Enemies! Beat Them At Their Own Game!"
T'challa's biggest concern with Killmonger's plan is that it would imply making the same mistakes that the colonizing countries made. Instead of aping the enemy and following the "divide and conquer" approach, he wants to carve out a new path for Wakanda.
But Killmonger's strategy involves giving the enemies a taste of their own medicine. A school of thought would even subscribe to this argument as a good strategist would learn from the enemy to emerge victorious in battle.
The Vicious Truth
"You're The Son Of A Murderer!"
Killmonger's hatred towards T'Challa not only stems from their different ideals but also from a personal place of revenge. With his father N'Jobu being killed by T'Challa's father King T'Chaka, Killmonger wages his own war. The ultimate goals of his actions are to seek vengeance and to turn N'Jobu's dreams of pan-African unity into reality.
Arriving at the Wakandan court, Killmonger openly shouts out that T'Challa isn't the son of a king but a murderer. He adds that he "found his Daddy with panther claws in his chest" implying how T'Chaka killed his father while wearing Black Panther's costume. This personal loss does create some empathy towards the antagonist.
Not Up For A Second Fight
"All That Challenge Sh*t Is Over With. I'm The King Now."
To claim the right to sit on Wakanda's throne, claimants must fight it out in a ritual tournament. When Killmonger emerges victorious in a hand-to-hand fight with T'Challa, no one in Wakanda can challenge his reign.
His intentions are clear when it comes to increasing the militaristic supremacy of the country. Doing away with rituals like the "challenge," he signals a new era for Wakanda as a modern king. Even when T'Challa returns from his supposed death and challenges Killmonger on the battlefield, the monarch just calmly proclaims the power he holds over the crown.
Desire For Wakanda To Stand Tall
"The Sun Will Never Set On The Wakandan Empire."
Upon winning over the Wakandan throne, Killmonger makes his global plans clear. He instructs the leaders of the other tribes as well as the Wakandan generals that their country must recreate the world order with Wakanda on top.
This quote also serves as a clever play on the phrase, "the sun never sets on the British Empire." The phrase was in currency when the British Empire had control over so many territories all over the world that it was daytime in at least one of their territories. Killmonger is clear that Wakanda must establish supremacy over such colonizer states and turn the tables. This moment reveals his determination in making Wakanda a true superpower.
