A Wakandan son raised in Oakland
Killmonger, born N'Jadaka, is a villain whose anger makes sense. His father was a Wakandan prince stationed undercover in Oakland, California, and Erik grew up there, far from the hidden kingdom he was told about as a child. Something happened to his father that Wakanda kept quiet, and Erik spent his life preparing to come home on his own terms.
By the time he arrives in Black Panther, he is a former special forces soldier and black ops operative, trained to topple governments. He is smart, magnetic and ruthless, and his argument, that a powerful nation should not hide while people of African descent suffer around the world, is one T'Challa cannot simply dismiss.
His three titles
- Black Panther (film, essential)
- What If...? (animated series, optional)
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (film, recommended)
The What If...? appearance is a voice role in an alternate-reality episode, not part of the main timeline. His scene in Wakanda Forever is brief but memorable.
His big moments, kept light
In Black Panther, Killmonger teams up with arms dealer Ulysses Klaue to get close to Wakanda, then reveals his true identity and claims the throne through the kingdom's own ritual combat. The film becomes a struggle over what Wakanda should be, and his challenge leaves a mark on T'Challa long after the credits.
What If...? asks what would happen if Erik used his talents in a very different way, crossing paths with Tony Stark at the start of the Iron Man story. It is a sharp episode that shows how dangerous he would be with a head start. In Wakanda Forever, he returns for a short, charged scene that ties into the film's theme of grief and anger; it is best seen without knowing more.
Rivals and allies
His central rival is Black Panther (T'Challa / Shuri), and his conflict with T'Challa is one of the strongest hero-villain pairings in the MCU. Okoye, general of the Dora Milaje, refuses to bend to him, while M'Baku watches the power struggle from the mountains. Bucky Barnes appears in the story's wider orbit, recovering in Wakanda at the end of the film.
Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger
Michael B. Jordan brings swagger, pain and real charisma to the part, which is why so many viewers end up half agreeing with Erik. He also voices the character in What If...?. Outside the MCU, Jordan is known for leading the Creed films as Adonis Creed, for his breakout in Fruitvale Station and for early TV roles in The Wire and Friday Night Lights. He frequently works with director Ryan Coogler, who made both Black Panther films.
Which order to watch
Black Panther comes first and is the one you cannot skip. Watch What If...? afterward if you want a fun alternate take; the episode makes more sense once you know the original. Then watch Wakanda Forever, which we rate recommended and which handles Wakanda's future after loss. Read more profiles in our Marvel character guide.