Warning! SPOILERS ahead for ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER #17Marvel’sUltimate Black Panthermakes the case for Erik Killmonger taking up the Black Panther mantle in the MCU. In Marvel’s new Ultimate universe,Black Panther has waged a war against Ra and Khonshu, as well as the living embodiment of vibranium, the Progenitor. To beat them, T’Challa has received help from his usual allies Queen Okoye and Shuri, but also from the Sorcerer Supreme Inan, Ororo Munroe, and Erik Killmonger.
InUltimate Black Panther #17, written by Bryan Hill with art by Stefano Caselli and David Curiel, Erik Killmonger takes the Wakandan throne while T’Challa and Ororo fightthe vibranium-powered Progenitor. Killmonger hesitates to wear the Black Panther mask and suit, but he accepts the responsibility and dives into battle with Okoye.
Despite not being comfortable with the Black Panther suit, Killmonger begins his duties and discusses his plans for Wakanda with Okoye. Killmonger mentions he wants to extend Wakanda’s reach to the whole continent, but he’s cut short by Matron Imala and her disciples. In true Killmonger fashion, however, this attack only reaffirms his wish to be king.
Ultimate Black Panther Proves Killmonger Deserves To Take Up The Mantle In The MCU
Ultimate Black Panther #17; Written By Bryan Hill; Art By Stefano Caselli & David Curiel
Marvel Comics’ new Ultimate universe gives Killmonger the chance to emerge as an ally to Wakanda and prove himself a capable hero. Earth-6160’s Killmonger shares the same stern resolve and unshakable principles as his Earth-616 counterpart, but the Ultimate universe’s different circumstances have shaped him into a more heroic warrior, which demonstrates that Killmonger could be just as effective and influential as T’Challa if given the chance.Most versions of Killmonger in the multiverse may be natural-born leaders, but only a few ever get close to the Wakandan throne.
Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger had a similar philosophy in the MCU. He wanted to fight for the liberation of the oppressed and, just like his Earth-6160 counterpart, he wanted to share Wakanda’s resources with the rest of the continent. However, unlike Ultimate Killmonger, Jordan’s MCU variant embraced violent methods, which put him in direct conflict with T’Challa and the Wakandan establishment, and ultimately led to his downfall. Though Ultimate Killmonger’s reign might be short-lived, it shows how the MCU’s Killmonger might have achieved lasting change had he chosen a less aggressive approach.
Avengers: Secret Wars Opens The Door To A Black Panther Killmonger Variant
Michael B. Jordan Is The Ideal Actor For A Black Panther Cameo
Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger died almost as soon as he was introduced inBlack Panther, but Jordan’s performance was so popular that director Ryan Coogler brought Killmonger back inBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverin the form of an Astral Plane apparition. Still,true resurrection doesn’t exist in the MCU, meaning that the only way to bring Killmonger back for good would be to introduce a multiversal variant.Avengers: Doomsdaywill likely focus on Doctor Doom’s debut and the Avengers team-up with the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, butAvengers: Secret Warscould feature a multiversal Killmonger as Black Panther, at least in a cameo capacity.
Black Panther Is Too Important For Marvel To Leave Behind
There Are Various Ways To Keep Exploring Black Panther’s Lore
Marvel Studios’ decision not to recast Black Panther after Chadwick Boseman’s passing was a heartfelt tribute to the late actor’s beloved portrayal. However,the continuation of Black Panther’s cultural impact on the big screen would also honor Boseman’s legacy. Besides Shuri,several Marvel characters have assumed the Black Panther mantlein the comics, including Erik Killmonger. If only for a supporting role in the multiversalAvengers: Secret Wars, Michael B. Jordan could return as a Black Panther variant, potentially inspired by the heroic Killmonger from Marvel’s Earth-6160.Black Pantherwas once Jordan’s dream role, and his impressive filmography proves he could be a strong successor to Chadwick Boseman.
