Image Source: Getty / Christopher Polk [1]

Warning: MAJOR spoilers for Marvel's Black Panther [2] ahead.

If you're anything like me, you were f*cking obsessed with Black Panther [3] before the movie even hit theaters. Reading all the early reactions [4] and rave reviews [5] 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 [6] (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 [7] in NBC's hit series, This Is Us [8], 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 [9], 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 after his father's death [10], 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 [11]

Black Panther is in theaters now!