Black Panther: Each Main Character’s First and Last Line In The Movie

With news of MCU’s Black Panther 2 expected to start filming in June 2021, it’s natural for fans to revisit the first film. Black Panther gives great action and cool technology but that isn’t all the film has to offer. Black Panther is jam-packed with unique and interesting characters who deliver powerful lines. The first and last lines of these five main characters give snapshots of how their complex relationships develop throughout the film.

Black Panther has some truly memorable action scenes but fans may have missed the subtle importance of these character’s first and last lines of these main characters. From Shuri to Killmonger, the first and last lines of these characters are sure to inspire nostalgia and a desire to rewatch the film.

10 Nakia

“This one is just a boy…he got kidnapped as well.” – “There is nothing to thank me for. It is our duty to…it was my duty to fight for what I love. I should have-“

Expertly portrayed by Lupita Nyong’o, Nakia’s line occurs when she and T’Challa work together to save a group of people who have been kidnapped by a military group. Nakia’s last line happens in one of the final scenes. She and T’Challa are roaming the peaceful streets of Wakanda. Nakia is one of the first female characters introduced in Black Panther along with Okoye. Nakia and Okoye have some awesome moments in the film.   Admired by T’Challa for her kindness and skill as a spy for Wakanda, Nakia’s first and last lines show growth in their relationship.

In Nakia’s first line her empathetic nature comes out as she warns T’Challa, even in the heat of battle, Nakia prioritizes the lives of the people. Both lines demonstrate Nakia’s fierce sense of loyalty and desire to do good in the world.

9 Okoye

“My Prince, coming upon them now.” – “For Wakanda? Without question.”

Dania Gurira takes on the role of Okoye,  a general of the Wakanda Armed forces.  In her first line at the beginning of the film when she is flying over a military convoy with T’Challa. Okoye’s last line takes place on the battlefield. She has been forced to fight against W’Kabi who has sided with Killmonger in the fight for the Wakandan throne.

It is evident from her first and last moments on screen that she is a force to be reckoned with.  Okoye’s first lines may seem unimportant but it demonstrates the trust and loyalty between her and T’Challa. Her dedication to her country is unshakeable in her first line and her last line, even when love is on the line.

8 Everett Ross

“Your Highness.” – “Yes! We did it!

Agent Ross played by Martin Freeman had a small but memorable role in Black Panther. An American C.I.A. agent familiar with Wakanda, and therefore suspicious of T’Challa’s surprise appearance in South Korea.

In his last line, there is a complete divergence from the apprehensive agent. He is now entrenched in the events of Wakanda. He ends up being crucial to the efforts against Killmonger.

7 M’Baku

“It’s challenge day. We have watched and listened from the mountains. We have watched with disgust, as your technological advancements have been overseen by a child who scoffs at tradition….” – “Abya!!!”

M’Baku played by Winston Duke, charges on screen as the leader of the Jabari tribe. At first, M’Baku seems like a villainous challenger for the Wakandan throne.

His first line shows his dislike for T’Challa and everything he stands for. By the end of the film, however, M’Baku like so many other characters in the film is instrumental to the final victory.

6 Ulysses Klaue

“Let’s give the lady some space please.” – “And to think I saw you as some crazy American.”

Andy Serkis lends his talents to Black Panther as the international criminal who aids Killmonger.  Klaue’s first line on screen occurs along with Killmonger’s at the museum.

However, Klaue and Killmonger’s partnership is short-lived. Double-crossed by Killmonger, his last line shows how deceitful and powerful Killmonger can be.

5 Ramonda

“Thank you, Nakia. It is so good to have you back with us.” – “T’Challa, we will not leave Wakanda.” 

Mother of T’Challa and played by the iconic Angela Bassett Ramonda leaves a lasting impression with her elegant white locs. Her first and last lines show her complete dedication to her family and her country.

Ramonda uses her first line to recognize and demonstrate the importance of Nakia to her and her family. The Queen’s last line shows her dedication to Wakanda. Bassett has also shared her thoughts on the role of T’Challa.

4 Zuri

“I, Zuri, Son of Badu, give to you, Prince T’Challa, the Black Panther!” – “I am the cause of your father’s death. Not him. Take me.”

Zuri plays an integral role in Black Panther in such that he created the stage for Killmonger and T’Challa. His first line shows his dedication to tradition and T’Challa. His last line shows his remorse for his past actions and that he is steadfast in this dedication to T’Challa.

3 Shuri

“Did he freeze?” – “From Wakanda.” 

No list would be complete without Shuri, T’Challa’s genius kid sister played by Letitia Wright. Shuri’s first line happens early in Black Panther as T’Challa, Nakia, and Okoye return from their mission.  Her last line occurs in one of the final scenes when she and T’Challa visit Oakland. In her first line despite her huge intellect Shuri immediately turns to tease her older brother when he arrives.

It shows the deep bond between Shuri and her brother but her immature side. Shuri’s final lines show a growth in the character. Although she is a child Shuri continuously proves that she is instrumental to the success of T’Challa and Wakanda.

2 Killmonger

“I was just checking out these artifacts. They tell me you’re the expert.” – “Why so you can just lock me up? Nah. Just bury me in the ocean, with my ancestors that jumped from the ships…cause they knew death was better than bondage.”

Played by Michael B. Jordan, Killmonger is an intimidating villain and he has some great scenes in the film.  His debut line in the film takes place at a museum in London. Killmonger gives fans his last line in a beautiful and sorrowful moment. On the doorstep of death, Killmonger is carried by T’Challa to watch the sunset over Wakanda.

Killmonger’s exchange at the museum gives a good look at his character. He is proud, cunning, powerful, and extremely knowledgeable. By the end of the film, his character has not strayed from its introduction.  Although he is dying Killmonger goes out with powerful words, giving T’Challa a lot to think about.

1 T’Challa

“No, need Okoye. I can handle this alone…I will get Nakia out as quickly as possible” – “My name is King T’Challa, son of King T’Chaka. I am the sovereign ruler of the nation of Wakanda and for the first time in our history, we will be sharing our knowledge and resources with the outside world…”

T’Challa is played by the uncomparable Chadwick Boseman. His first line occurs in the same scene along with Okoye’s first line.  He gives his last line in one of the final scenes of the film when he is addressing the U.N. It is evident with his first line he is confident,  leaning towards arrogance, and values the safety of his comrades. The character is less of a team player at this early part of the film.

By the time T’Challa gives his final line at the U.N., it is clear he has truly accepted his role as king of Wakanda. Although he did not do his own stunts, Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa in the political moments is impressive. T’Challa has grown from a hotshot lone wolf to a truly empathetic and wise leader. Marvel Studios has confirmed that Boseman will not be recast going forward, but whatever happens, his presence, and T’Challa’s, will surely be a crucial part of the world.

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