Danai Gurira to Reprise Okoye Role in Disney's 'Black Panther' Spinoff

Most TV horror fans know actress Danai Gurira as Michonne on The Walking Dead. In the movie industry, however, she is best known for her role as Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) superhero movies.

Gurira has played the role of the General of the Dora Milaje in Black Panther (2018), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). 

Critically acclaimed for her portrayal of Okoye, the actress has received many awards like Saturn Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

Following her outstanding performances in three MCU movies, it comes off as no surprise that she would reprise her role as Okoye in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. 

Gurira in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

On May 26, The Hollywood Reporter released a list of Hollywood’s top 100 Attorneys of 2021. Jamie Mandelbaum was one of the influential attorneys listed. He has helped his clients secure major deals. From pay raises for the Succession’s casts to working with A-list celebrities, Mandelbaum has done it all. 

Recently he brokered a deal for his client, Gurira, for her role in the MCU movies. The agreement included the actress reprising her role for the upcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and a spinoff series for Disney+.

While neither Marvel and Disney nor the actress herself have confirmed the news, Collider reported they had confirmed the information with the sources close to the project. 

Upcoming ‘Black Panther’ Projects

On May 3, Marvel released a massive trailer for their Phase Four. Amongst other movies, they teased the Black Panther sequel — Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The film will be released on July 8, 2022. 

Following his untimely death, Chadwick Boseman’s role as T’Challa will not be recast. Lupita Nyong’o, Gurira, Winston Duke, Daniel Kaluuya, and Letitia Wright are expected to reprise their roles in the sequel. 

Only Gurira’s return has been hinted at by her attorney. The others’ have not been confirmed yet. Ryan Coogler will direct the sequel as well. 

Talking about the Disney+ series, in February 2021, it was revealed that Coogler would develop a series set in Wakanda for Disney. It would be a part of the five-year overall exclusive deal between Walt Disney Television and Coogler’s company, Proximity. 

There has been no further news about the untitled Wakanda series. 

Gurira’s Philanthropist Acts

While Gurira is not involved in her acting projects, she is heavily invested in activism. The award-winning actress has been a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador since December 2018. 

She actively raises her voice for women’s empowerment and gender equality. She also founded Love Our Girls Foundation, with the intention to close the gender disparity gap.

Similarly, she has always been vocal about racism and helping African artists. She co-founded Almasi Arts Alliance to train African Dramatic artists. The primary motive behind this project is to build the next generation of African artists and tell their stories. 

Through humanitarian initiatives, Gurira has always aspired to establish fair chances for everyone, enhance education, and abolish the prevalent gender-based prejudice that she continues to date.