The Mentor

In the comics, Zuri was an incredible warrior who served under T’Chaka, T’Challa’s father and the king of Wakanda. According to director Ryan Coogler, Zuri served as a connection between the old and new Black Panther versions. Of course, it was Forest Whitaker under all that paint. 

According to the director, Zuri mentored the young Black Panther, providing spiritual guidance as he worked to become a better king. We understand from the teaser trailer that he crowned the new king.

In the comics, Zuri was killed trying to protect T’Challa and his sister Shuri. We hope he doesn’t meet the same fate when Killmonger and his allies attack the new king.