Sterling K. Brown played the disgraced Wakandan Prince N'Jobu as well as Erik 'Killmonger' Stevens' father in Marvel Studios' recent financial and critical success,
Black Panther. A recent interview with
ABC News brought up the discussion surrounding Killmonger's status as a villain in the film, which Brown described as "the most fascinating conversation to come from the film."
The whole concept of Killmonger, is he a villain or does he represent us — especially African-Americans?
He is a villain because, while his intentions, and N'Jobu's intentions for that fact, are honorable, they didn't necessarily go about it in the way that would actually bring about the change that they want.
He wasn't trying to create a legacy. He was like 'I want this for myself." That's where the intention gets confused with personal ambition, but what he was able to illuminate ... is that he is not without a point.
Brown notes what Killmonger defenders are quick to forget; his onscreen son committed several heinous acts in his mission, like nonchalantly murdering many people, including his own girlfriend, and burning Wakanda's prized heart-shaped herb.
He also then concedes that Killmonger's actions pointed out a problem which plagued both the fictional country of Wakanda and the real-life global community, explaining the isolationist and technologically advanced nation "has resources and access to technology but are keeping it to themselves."
Not only have they been keeping it to themselves, but people who have sought refuge, they have actively denied them that, and now we ask this question in this global community that we are all a part of: Am I my brother's keeper? The answer is yes.
Ultimately, it was more or less Killmonger's actions which urged T'Challa to take on a more global worldview and share Wakanda's resources with the world. What do you think about Brown's comments? Do you agree that while Killmonger had a point, the way he went about it was wrong?
Here's a clip from the interview in which Brown provides his insight: