The Marvel Cinematic Universe just got a little more star-studded, as Sterling K. Brown (The People v. OJ Simpson, This Is Us) joins the cast of Black Panther.
As reported by Marvel’s website today and later confirmed by Sterling K. Brown himself on Twitter, Sterling will take on the role on N’Jobu. There doesn’t seem to be a character by that name in current Black Panther canon, but the Marvel press release describes his as a figure from T’Challa’s past. As such, this implies that the film will provide flashbacks or otherwise explore T’Challa’s old relationships and life before he became King of Wakanda.
Sterling K. Brown recently won the Emmy for his portrayal of Christopher Darden in The People v. OJ Simpson, and his work on This Is Us has been acclaimed since its start in September 2016. Marvel has already gone all out with its Black Panther casting, and Brown’s announcement just further pushes the envelope. After Chadwick Boseman’s appearance in Captain America: Civil War, other cast members soon followed. Brown is now joining an amazing cast including Michael B. Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, and Florence Kasumba.
Beyond thrilled to be joining this immensely talented group of actors & storytellers! Thank you for a seat at the table! 👊🏿#blackpanther https://t.co/IEbRyhkXOE
— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) January 5, 2017
The award-winning actor tweeted his enthusiasm this afternoon, as congratulations flowed in from various fans and other media outlets. Now all that’s left is further speculation on what role his character plays in the film, and how the story will tackle the rich Black Panther mythology. If you have any theories on who N’Jobu is to T’Challa and whether they will clash or join forces in the upcoming film, let us know in the comments below!
Black Panther is being directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed) and was written by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole. It will arrive in theaters on February 16, 2018.