UFC welterweight champion, Nigerian-born Kamaru Usman has been cast in a mystery role for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ in an undisclosed role. Reported by MMA Fighting, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier revealed Usman’s involvement in the upcoming sequel during the UFC 277 weigh-in show.
While it is said that Usman has a guest role in the film, it is unknown who exactly he is playing as of writing. Usman was born in Auchi, Edo State in Nigeria to an Army major father, and a teacher mother, who moved their family to the United States when the champ was a youngster.
Usman’s role is not the only mystery casting for the film. ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is set to be a heartfelt tribute to the late ‘Black Panther’ (2018) star Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020 after portraying the hero T’Challa across four Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Released during Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, the official trailer for Wakanda Forever shows that T’Challa is now dead in the MCU, and that someone else has put on the Vibranium suit as his heroic successor.
Who this successor is remains a mystery though. Many theories are circulating about who the next Black Panther will be, with speculated choices including Shuri (Letitia Wright), Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), M’Baku (Winston Duke) and a resurrected Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).
In addition to an appearance by Usman and a new Black Panther, Wakanda Forever will debut two major players to the MCU. The first is Namor the Submariner, a king of an underwater kingdom and rival of Black Panther’s in Marvel Comics, who will be portrayed by actor Tenoch Huerta. The other is Riri Williams aka Ironheart, played by actor Dominique Thorne in the film.
Aside from Usman, Huerta and Thorne’s new characters, Wakanda Forever also sees the return of Shuri, Ramonda, M’Baku and CIA agent Everett Ross (Martin Freeman). Directed by Ryan Coogler, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ will be in theatres Nov. 11, 2022.