Mystery Solved! — Here's Who Sterling K. Brown Plays in Black Panther

Image Source: Getty / Christopher Polk

Warning: MAJOR spoilers for Marvel's Black Panther ahead.

If you're anything like me, you were f*cking obsessed with Black Panther before the movie even hit theaters. Reading all the early reactions and rave reviews didn't help, either. After watching the Ryan Coogler-directed film, I can finally confirm that yes, it is — without a doubt — a visual work of art. But one question that nagged at me ever since I found out about the all-star cast (seriously, it's stacked!), is who Sterling K. Brown plays in the franchise.

When the initial description was released, Brown's character, N'Jobu, was only described as "a figure from T'Challa aka Black Panther's past," but I needed a little more information about him. I mean, he's only my favorite character in NBC's hit series, This Is Us, so naturally, I wanted to know more about his role in the film. Is he a superhero? Is he a foe? Is he just an extra? (Just kidding about that last part.)

Brown himself has also played coy about his character, but it turns out N'Jobu has more of a significant role in the film than I expected. In fact, as soon as Black Panther begins, we get a clearer view of who he is. The movie opens with narration from N'Jobu explaining the rich history of Wakanda to his young son, as well as the importance of vibranium, a rare metal that is one of the most valuable resources to the fictitious African nation.

N'Jobu's brother, Wakandan King T'Chaka (played by Atandwa Kani), tracks down the loving father who has been living in self-imposed exile in Oakland, CA. We learn from T'Chaka that N'Jobu has betrayed his people by giving away vibranium to Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), an untrustworthy and dangerous arms dealer. Although his intentions are pure — N'Jobu believes Wakandans should use their technologically advanced resources to help others, especially impoverished black people — T'Chaka views him as a traitor and kills him before he can attack the Wakandan spy who has been secretly living with him.

Fast forward to present day. We learn that T'Chaka's son, T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman), is next in line to take his rightful place as king after his father's death, but not before he has to face off with . . . you guessed it: N'Jobu's son, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). He seeks to avenge his own father's tragic death, which creates the perfect storm for this incredible film.

Image Source: Marvel

Black Panther is in theaters now!