Concept art from Black Panther shows unused designs for the film's villain, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). Black Panther/T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) was introduced to the MCU in 2016's Captain America: Civil War, and two years later he received his own solo adventure. Black Panther was a huge success for Marvel, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide and becoming the first comic book movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. It followed T'Challa in the aftermath of Civil War as he adjusted to becoming king of Wakanda while confronting the secrets his father kept hidden from him. A sequel was officially announced last year for a May 2022 release, which will bring back Boseman and director Ryan Coogler.
One of the high points of Black Panther was undoubtedly Killmonger as the main antagonist. Jordan was largely praised for his performance, and Killmonger was soon dubbed one of the best MCU villains. This was because of Killmonger's understandable motivations, which stemmed from growing up in a racist world. In the end, Killmonger died after a fight with T'Challa, and though T'Challa offered to save him, Killmonger refused the aid. Many are hoping Killmonger will somehow return for Black Panther 2, though nothing has been confirmed. However, Jordan will reprise the role in the animated Disney+ series What If...?.
Marvel concept artist Rodney Fuentebella shared two unused designs for Killmonger on Instagram. The first shows off a comics accurate version of Killmonger's mask and tactical outfit that Fuentebella described as an "advanced camo look." While not completely the same as his comic outfit, the two designs hold some similarities. The second is a bit closer up, which Fuentebella said was so he could explore his weaponry. As Fuentebella said, "I love the look of some exotic cutlery and wanted to play with the idea of a different type of an edged blade." Check them out below:
The final designs for Killmonger from the film look a bit different, though Fuentebella's art is pretty cool to look at, especially with their nods to his comic book appearances. The second design in particular features some really interesting details in Killmonger's tactical armor that are a bit harder to notice in the film. Fuentebella's work offers the chance to get a better look at them. Black Panther won an Oscar for its costume design, and it's clear that these designs helped influence those looks.
Black Panther 2 might be a long ways off, but fans are still excited to see where T'Challa will go next. Expectations are certainly high, and there's been a lot of speculation about what the film will focus on. When it comes to its antagonist, some are disappointed it won't be Killmonger, but there are still plenty of viable options. For example, some fans believe Namor the Sub-Mariner could appear, while Winston Duke wants his own character, M'Baku, to take on the role. Fans will just have to wait and see who Coogler chooses.
Source: Rodney Fuentebella/Instagram 1, 2
