In Black Panther (2018), Erik Killmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan) serves as the main antagonist. His character is a former U.S. black-ops soldier with Wakandan heritage, seeking to overthrow T’Challa and take the throne of Wakanda.
Killmonger’s motivations stem from his traumatic past—his father, Prince N'Jobu, was killed by King T'Chaka for betraying Wakanda. Growing up in Oakland, California, Killmonger witnessed racial oppression and developed a deep resentment toward Wakanda’s isolationist policies. He believes Wakanda has failed Black people worldwide by not using its advanced technology to help those suffering from oppression.
He challenges T’Challa in ritual combat, defeats him, and temporarily becomes the King of Wakanda. Once in power, he orders the distribution of Wakandan weapons to Black revolutionaries around the world, aiming to spark a global uprising. However, T’Challa survives, returns, and ultimately defeats Killmonger in a final battle.
Despite being the villain, Killmonger is a complex character with sympathetic motivations. His final words—“Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships, because they knew death was better than bondage”—highlight his powerful, tragic ideology. His role challenges T’Challa to rethink Wakanda’s approach to the world, leading to the country opening its borders and sharing its resources.