The television star's villainous character will join Michael B. Jordan's Erik Killmonger to antagonize Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa in the Ryan Coogler-directed superhero flick.
- September 29, 2016
AceShowbiz -
"Black Panther" adds Winston Duke to its cast ensemble which has Chadwick Boseman on board to play the titular superhero. Variety has reported that the "Person of Interest" alum has been tapped to portray the villainous M'Baku a.k.a. Man-Ape who, in the comic book series, is described as Black Panther's frequent enemy.
Man-Ape was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, and debuted in Avengers #62 in 1969. After he became one of the greatest soldiers serving Wakanda under the leadership of Black Panther, Man-Ape joined the outlawed White Gorilla cult. He later gained mystical superpowers and attempted to usurp the Wakandan throne.
In the upcoming film, Winston will join Michael B. Jordan, who is already tapped to play a villain named Erik Killmonger. Rumor has it, Andy Serkis will also play another villain known as Ulysses Klaw. Other cast members include Lupita Nyong'o, who is on board to portray a member of Dora Milaje named Nakia, and Danai Gurira, who has been tapped to play Okoye, the leader of Dola Milaje.
"Black Panther" will be directed by "Creed" helmer Ryan Coogler from a script he co-writes with "American Crime Story" scribe Joe Robert Cole. It follows T'Challa, the new ruler of the advanced kingdom of Wakanda who must defend his land from being torn apart by enemies from outside and inside the country.
The upcoming superhero flick is expected to begin production in January 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia for a February 16, 2018 release in U.S. theaters.
