<Li> Danai Gurira as Okoye: An "extremely proud" Wakandan and traditionalist from the Border Tribe, who is the head of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda's all - female special forces and T'Challa's bodyguards . Director Ryan Coogler cast Gurira based on her performance in Mother of George (2013), rather than her popular role of Michonne in the television series The Walking Dead, which Coogler had not seen . Gurira said that the fighting skills she learned playing Michonne complemented the skills of Okoye, but noted that the Dora Milaje are a secret service, which covers intel as well as fighting . She explained that though the character is stoic, "she also has an unexpected sense of humor . She has a heart, but for her country and for her people ." Gurira's head was re-shaved every day to have her head tattoos applied, which took two - and - a-half to three - and - a-half hours . </Li> <Li> Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross: A member of the Central Intelligence Agency, who Freeman described as having an "uneasy peace" with T'Challa . He added that the character goes on an "enlightening journey to Wakanda" in the film . Freeman and the filmmakers sought to depict Ross as a capable agent rather than just comic relief as he is in the comics . </Li> <Li> Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi: A confidant to T'Challa and his best friend, who is the head of security for the Border Tribe, serving as the first line of defense for Wakanda . </Li> <Li> Letitia Wright as Shuri: T'Challa's 16 - year - old sister who designs new technology for the country . Wright described Shuri as innovative of spirit and mind, wanting to take Wakanda to "a new place", and felt she was a good role model for young black girls . Executive producer Nate Moore called Shuri the smartest person in the world, even more so than Tony Stark . </Li>

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