For decades, Marvel has presented the world with amazing stories about heroes with supernatural powers fighting to save the world. Characters such as Iron Man, Spider-man, Wolverine and more, have all lived in our imagination at one point or another. With the emergence of Black Panther and Luke Cage in recent years, we have seen an increased presence of Black actors involved with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Last month, Xosha Roquemore joined the ensemble of Marvel’s Captain America: New World Order starring Anthony Mackie, and just a week later, The Bear co-star Ayo Edebiri was cast in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Thunderbolts, in an undisclosed role. According to Deadline, the new Captain America film will be released on May 24 of next year, with the latter premiering two months later. Both established, along with up-and-coming Black actors have been critical to the success for many of these MCU movies; a heavy contrast from what would have been said 20 or so years ago.
Prior to the superhero surge in the mid-to-late 2000s, Wesley Snipes executed a phenomenal portrayal of Blade in 1998, Mahershala Ali tapped to play the role of the daywalking vampire in an upcoming film. Now, there are several actors of color starring in their own MCU films or series – Mike Colter, the late Chadwick Boseman, Letitia Wright – the list goes on. With Jonathan Majors playing the villainous Kang the Conqueror in the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, it also shows that creatives of color can play more than one role if given the opportunity.
Earlier this year, Angela Bassett was nominated for an Academy Award, making her the first actress – male or female – to be nominated for an accolade of this caliber in the MCU. Not only are Black actors receiving more roles in Marvel movies, they’re excelling in their portrayals as well.
From Samuel L. Jackson to Teyonah Parris, here is the guide to Black actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Boseman famously played T’Challa, King of Wakanda and the Black Panther in the Marvel Universe. After first being seen in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, the character of Black Panther starred in the global blockbuster of the same name two years later. The South Carolina-born actor then appeared in two more Marvel films – Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame – before his untimely passing in 2020.
The Juilliard-educated Teyonah Parris got her start in the MCU in 2021 on Wandavision as Monica Rambeau. She will make her big screen MCU debut later this year in The Marvels.
Dominique Thorne plays Riri Williams in the MCU, first appearing in the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and is scheduled to star in the Disney+ series Ironheart later this year.
Elba plays Heimdall in the Thor franchise, and also had appearances in the last two Avengers films. He was recently featured in last year’s Thor: Love and Thunder.
Abdul-Mateen II is no stranger to comic book franchises. He starred in HBO’s critically-acclaimed limited series Watchmen in 2019, and now he is portraying Manta in Aquaman. He can also be seen in the upcoming Marvel movie Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Mackie was introduced to the Marvel Universe almost 10 years ago as Sam Wilson (Falcon) in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He later joins the Avengers and becomes a staple in the MCU, appearing in five subsequent films.
Lupita Nyong’o portrays Nakia in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Panther (2018) and the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
Iconic actor Samuel L. Jackson portrays Nick Fury, general of S.H.I.E.L.D. and leader of the Ultimates, a re-imagining of the Avengers. First seen in 2008’s Iron Man, Jackson then appeared in 12 more Marvel projects across film and television.
Angela Bassett plays Ramonda, queen of Wakanda in the Black Panther franchise. For her portrayal of African royalty, Bassett has accumulated several awards, including a Golden Globe win, along with Oscar, SAG, and BAFTA nominations for Best Supporting Actress.
Jordan had a breakout performance as Erik “Killmonger” Stevens in the first Black Panther film. Last year, he reprised his role as Killmonger in Wakanda Forever.
MCU newcomer Jonathan Majors portrays Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. He also will star in the upcoming Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Winston Duke made his big screen debut in 2018’s Black Panther, stealing the show as the character Mbaku; one of Wakanda’s greatest warriors. He was also featured in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
In 2018, Wright burst onto the scene as Shuri in Black Panther. After appearing in two Avengers films, she became the new Black Panther in Wakanda Forever.
Gurira plays Okoye, a Wakandan warrior and the former general of the Dora Milaje; and as of 2023, the character has appeared in four films: Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Carl Lucas – portrayed by Mike Colter – former convict who was given superhuman strength and unbreakable skin, fights crime under the name Luke Cage. He was the focal point for two years in Netflix’s Luke Cage.
Beginning with Iron Man 2, Cheadle played James Rhodes – otherwise known was War Machine. In the next decade, the award-winning actor reprised his role as Rhodes in six subsequent Marvel films – Iron Man 3, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel, and Avengers: Endgame.
Saldaña began her stint in the MCU as Gamora, the assassin forcibly adopted by Thanos in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. She also starred in the second installment of the GOTG series, along with Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Late last month, Ayo Edebiri was cast in Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts, the story of the team consisting mostly of supervillains. Set for release on July 26, 2024, the role Edebiri will play in the film is still unclear.
Rising star Xosha Roquemore recently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She will appear in the upcoming Captain America: New World Order starring Anthony Mackie, who will reprise his role as Sam Wilson.
