Black Panther: Every Character Revealed So Far
4. Zuri
Played By: Forest Whitaker
What We Know So Far
Just as he was in Rogue One, Forest Whitaker is playing an almost mystical wise-man elder sort of figure, taking on the role of T'Challa's guide as he struggles to retain his power. He's also the key to the harnessing of power from the Wakandan Heart-Shaped Herb, which gives Black Panther his powers.
EW spoke to Ryan Coogler, who suggested an almost Obi-Wan-like dynamic for the character:
He’s somewhat a religious figure or spiritual figure. Spirituality is something that exists in Wakanda in the comics, and it’s something we wanted to have elements of in the film. Forest’s character, more than anything, is a major tie-back to T’Challa’s father. Zuri is someone he looks to for guidance.
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Do not be surprised if he's killed off, either, with that dynamic firmly established.