Not too long ago, we learned that Marvel was developing a Wakanda-based seriesOpens in a new tab for Disney+Opens in a new tab, with Ryan Coogler producing. But that’s not the only Black Panther spinoff series coming to the streamer. Via a profile on showbiz “Power Lawyers” in The Hollywood ReporterOpens in a new tab, we’ve discovered that Danai GuriraOpens in a new tab is not only returning for Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverOpens in a new tab, but is also getting her own OkoyeOpens in a new tab spin-off origin series for Disney+. As Okoye was easily one of the most popular characters in the whole MCU, this is richly deserved.
So what do we know about this Okoye series? Well, right now, not much. Only that it’s far enough in development to have already secured Dunai Gurira’s return. Of course, due to her years on The Walking DeadOpens in a new tab as Michonne, we all know we’re in for a treat. One imagines we will see the rest of the Black Panther’s royal guard, the Dora Milajae, in some form on the Okoye series.
Marvel Studios
In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Dora member AyoOpens in a new tab also impressed viewers. So here’s hoping she’s a guest star at least. Of course, there is also the romance between Okoye and Daniel Kaluuya‘s W’Kabi to explore. He will almost certainly appear as well. If it ends up as a flashback series, then perhaps King T’Chaka too? Okoye served him long before T’Challa. Her friendship with Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) is also something we hope to see more of.
Okoye debuted in the Marvel Knights Black Panther series in 1998. Aspects of her backstory which may appear include Okoye helping to recruit Queen Divine JusticeOpens in a new tab into the Dora. Divine Justice, the actual queen of the Jabari tribe of Wakanda, grew up in Chicago. She would be another great character to see in an Okoye series. In the comics, Okoye also has a brief flirtation with Kasper ColeOpens in a new tab, the White Tiger. Any of these aspects of her past are worthy storylines. When it comes to the captain of the Dora Milaje, the possibilities are endless.
Featured Image: Marvel Studios
