The women of Black Panther are not only strong but filled with emotional depth. Marvel’s Black Panther clawed into theaters February 16th, and if you have yet to see the film: make sure you see it! This film does not disappoint, and my god the women of the film are definitely a major highlight for me.
As an advocate for female representation in all genres of film and TV, but especially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; I am so pleased with the women we were introduced to in this film. As well as advocating for more roles for women of color, Black Panther definitely represents black women in a light that I haven’t seen in the superhero genre before.
We are reintroduced to one of the female characters, Ayo, played by Florence Kasumba who’s one line in Captain America: Civil War became a fan favorite.The Dora Mijae are some of the fiercest ladies both Marvel comics and the MCU has to offer. The leader and general of the Dora Mijae is Okoye played by Danai Gurira. Okoye’s loyalty to Wakanda and tradition was unwavering, but her heart and mind had room to open to more possibilities which was so beautiful to see. I do wish we got to see more of Ayo, but there was just so many wonderful women in this film that I feel we need a spin off just of Wakandian women.
Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Shuri (Letitia Wright) are wonderful. I loved seeing the brother and sister relationship between Shuri and T’challa (Chadwick Boseman). It was even more refreshing to see a young black woman being the head of the science department in Wakanda. Shuri is youthful, witty, intelligent, and a blossoming ruler. Nakia is loyal to who she loves, wants to make the world a better place, and is just as much as a badass warrior like Okoye.
And lastly but not least is the queen mother, Ramonda, played by Angela Bassett. With any role, Angela Bassett brings a ferocity and grace that is unmatched mix this with Ramonda being a queen and a mother who will fiercely protect her children and you get fire! Angela brings another strong performance, and I honestly hope will get to see more of her character throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Hats off to Ryan Coolger and Joe Robert Cole for writing strong women with depth who all have different personality traits from each other. Florence Kasumba, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, and Angela Bassett all give us such beautiful performances. My heart is so full.
I can’t wait to see where all of the characters go, and I can’t wait for more female characters to join the MCU! Black Panther is a must see.
Which female character from Black Panther is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Black Panther is now in theaters.