Winston Duke – Big Duke Energy

Black Panther star Winston Duke opens up about loss, grief, body image and his love for being a part of a movement of change

- By Shannon Manuel. Photography by David Higgs

Winston Duke is having a moment again. He made his feature-film debut in Marvel's 2018 Black Panther as fan-favorite character M'baku and has been in high demand. His film credits include Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Us, Nine Days, and Spencer Confidential, and guest-starring roles on shows including The Messengers, Major Crimes, Law, and Order: Special Victims Unit, and Modern Family. He's received numerous accolades for his acting and activism.

Four years ago, Black Panther hit audiences like a tsunami, leaving a social and cultural footprint that changed the world in many ways. It became the superhero film to solidify the argument for more diversity and representation in movies and won an Academy Award, which inspired a new generation of Afrocentric storytellers. As the credits rolled, audiences wanted more.

With the untimely and unfortunate passing of the film's starring actor Chadwick Boseman two years ago, uncertainty remained as to how the story of the Black Panther would continue. His death, felt by millions worldwide, forced director Ryan Coogler to rethink the movie that'd become Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. One thing for sure was that it'd honour the late actor and be a labour of love to what Boseman and his character, King T'challa, stood for.

The long-awaited sequel hit theatres in November 2022 and again captured the hearts of millions.

"The reaction to Wakanda Forever has been incredible, says Duke. 'We made the movie with great intention, hoping to create a sequel the audience could connect with in the same way they had the first film. What we've done with this movie builds on that connection, inclusivity and creating a space to give Black and brown people mythic heroes with whom they can identify.