Black Panther ending explained: What happened to Killmonger’s attempt for the throne?

Black Panther ending explained: What happened to Killmonger's attempt for the throne?

As a gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that “Black Panther” was a cinematic masterpiece that surpassed all expectations. The late Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa was nothing short of phenomenal, and Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger brought an intensity that left us on the edge of our seats.


The Marvel film everyone eagerly anticipated was none other than “Black Panther”. This masterpiece introduced us to the character of T’Challa, skillfully portrayed by the late and talented Chadwick Boseman. In a contrasting role, Michael B. Jordan played the villain, Killmonger.

Initially, the movie “Black Panther” delved into a storyline dating back millennia to give insight into Wakanda’s history before moving on to 1992, laying the groundwork for Killmonger. However, the narrative primarily revolved around events following T’Chaka’s demise. Upon his father’s death, T’Challa ascended to the throne of Wakanda, but not everyone welcomed this new ruler.

Why Killmonger wanted to rule Wakanda

Initially, Killmonger went by the name Erik Stevens. It wasn’t until T’Challa spotted the necklace belonging to N’Jobu on him that we learned more about Erik. As it turned out, Erik was the American-born child of N’Jobu. N’Jobu aspired to share Wakanda’s technological advancements with those of African descent to help them overthrow their oppressors. T’Chaka vehemently opposed this idea and wanted N’Jobu apprehended. Tragically, T’Chaka was compelled to kill N’Jobu, and Zuri had to fabricate a tale that N’Jobu had vanished, leaving behind his son.

It’s understandable that N’Jobu desired this for the people, given his experiences beyond Wakanda. He empathized with those in a similar situation and wished to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Erik chose to enlist with the Navy SEALs, earning the moniker Killmonger along the way. Believing himself entitled to Wakanda’s throne, he issues a challenge to T’Challa. His intention is to follow in his father’s footsteps by disseminating technology to operatives globally.

It appears that he intends to help everyone, rather than just individuals of African descent – expanding beyond his initial intentions. The recipients of his efforts are primarily those he served alongside in the Navy SEALs, which gives a slightly less noble tone to his father’s original vision.

What happens to Killmonger in Black Panther?

It seems that Killmonger might emerge victorious. He issues a challenge for a ritual combat against T’Challa, during which T’Challa gets hurt severely and is pushed off a waterfall. Zuri perishes in the process, leaving no one to disclose the truth. Subsequently, Killmonger consumes the heart-shaped herb and commands its destruction, except for one that Nakia manages to salvage. This item proves crucial later on.

As Nakia, Shuri, and their group seek assistance from the Jabari Tribe, they discover a motionless T’Challa who had been saved by them in return for his earlier mercy towards M’Baku. At this juncture, an important herb comes into play. Utilizing her knowledge, Nakia administers this herb to T’Challa, thereby reviving him and enabling him to confront Killmonger once more.

Black Panther ending explained: What happened to Killmonger's attempt for the throne?

In this battle, the tech is far more sophisticated. Killmonger dons a nanotech armor resembling that of T’Challa. As the clash unfolds, Shuri and their allies blast down every plane Killmonger had arranged to plunder Wakanda’s technology. With time, the soldiers backing Killmonger are compelled to retreat as T’Challa jams his nanotech armor and delivers a fatal blow.

Killmonger chooses to end his life instead of being imprisoned. He prefers to die as a free man over living under confinement. With T’Challa present and showing him the sunset of Wakanda, he finds peace in his final moments, creating a beautiful yet poignant scene.

T’Challa does share Wakanda with the world at the end of Black Panther

As a gamer, I feel compelled to ensure that the lives of N’Jobu and Killmonger aren’t just footnotes in history. To honor their memory, I initiate the construction of an outreach center within the very walls where N’Jobu took his final breath. My sister Nakia and my genius tech-savvy little sister Shuri take charge, continuously innovating and safeguarding our beloved Wakanda, all while keeping the spirit of those who have passed alive.

In the mid-credits sequence, it’s revealed that T’Challa comes to understand that N’Jobu might have been onto something, though his methods were flawed. Later, T’Challa addresses the United Nations, disclosing the authentic nature of Wakanda to the global community.

Subsequently, we’re linked to the primary Avengers films via a post-credits sequence. Shuri assists Bucky Barnes in rehabilitation, a plot point established during Captain America: Civil War. Bucky was falsely accused of T’Chaka’s murder, and given the circumstances, T’Challa sought revenge. Upon discovering and acknowledging Bucky’s innocence and brainwashed state, he granted him entry to Wakanda for aid. We last found him in a cryogenic sleep until a cure was discovered, implying that T’Challa has now found it and honored his pledge of assistance as shown in the post-credits scene.

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2024-09-30 19:31

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