If you thought Chadwick Boseman was sick of people asking him to throw up the "Wakanda forever" sign just a few months after Black Panther [1]'s release, well, we have some news: Wakanda fans [2] are not going anywhere. Let's take it back to February, when Marvel's highly anticipated film hit theaters, the star-studded cast [3] was the definition of friendship goals, and fans were putting together incredible ensembles [4] even then to support the release.
Becoming the highest-grossing superhero movie of all time [5] and shattering a 21-year box office record [6] can be quantified by the billion dollars it made worldwide [7], but the impact of the movie and what it means to the black community [8] is immeasurable. As the first superhero film with a nearly all-black cast [9], the Ryan Coogler-directed film was as historic as it was humorous [10].
With a cast that embraced natural hairstyles [11] and superheroes who represented African cultures and traditions in a way we've never seen before on the big screen, Wakanda proved to be more than just a fictional country [12] — it was a movement. So, grab your friends, suit up in vibranium, and read on to check out all the Black Panther [13] Halloween [14] inspiration you need this year.
Black Panther
From the moment you slip on that vibranium suit [16] on the fateful night of Oct. 31, you'll possess all the superhero strength that T'Challa has [17] as Black Panther [18]. However, instead of an insanely keen sense of sight and hearing, you'll be able to smell all the best candy and snacks from miles away. Just throw up "Wakanda forever," [19] and the rest will fall into place.
Adult Black Panther Costume Deluxe
Adult Black Panther Costume Deluxe [20] ($50)
Marvel Black Panther Classic Suit Graphic T-Shirt
Marvel Black Panther Classic Suit Costume Graphic T-Shirt [21] ($23)
Cosplay Black Panther Wakanda King T'Challa Pendant Necklace
Cosplay Black Panther Wakanda King T'Challa Pendant Necklace [22] ($10)
Erik Killmonger
Despite Erik Killmonger's blatant attempts to overrule T'Challa and take over Wakanda, we can't help but feel bad for the guy and his troublesome past [23]. Michael B. Jordan's character is as fierce as they come, but we have to admit he looked incredible both with and without his armor [24] (yes, we're talking about that shirtless [25] scene while burning the herb gardens). If revenge is your middle name, then gather your group and ask, "Is this your costume [26]?!"
Adult Erik Killmonger Costume Deluxe
Adult Erik Killmonger Costume Deluxe [27] ($60)
Men's Erik Killmonger Costume Top Set
Men's Erik Killmonger Costume Top Set [28] ($25)
Shuri
She may be King T'Challa's younger sister, but even without her royal family, Shuri (played by Letitia Wright [29]) is a powerhouse alone. Leading the Wakanda Design Group with her innovative technology ideas, the 16-year-old genius engineer is so much more than a brainiac badass [30]. If you go as Shuri this Halloween [31], just make sure to keep your vibranium gauntlets handy and, of course, tease T'Challa [32] with a solid "What are thooooose?!" joke.
Adult Shuri Costume Deluxe
Adult Shuri Costume Deluxe [33] ($70)
Okoye
As the general of T'Challa's all-female Dora Milaje guards [34], Danai Gurira's character [35] stuns as Okoye. She's easily the most loyal protector of Wakanda [36], even agreeing to protect Killmonger when he takes the throne; however, her allegiance to T'Challa means everything to her. With a vibranium spear in her hand, nothing (and no one) can stop Okoye [37]. She speaks her mind and stands her ground [38], but don't ever question her loyalty.
Adult Dora Milaje Costume
Adult Dora Milaje Costume [39] ($60)
Nakia
Raise you hand if you've ever dreamed of being Chadwick Boseman's love interest [40]. What about a supercool spy? Yep, yep, us too. She's loyal to her man and even helped T'Challa lead Wakanda when he reclaimed the throne — talk about a power couple. Whether you go as Nakia in Dora Milaje armor or rock green like Lupita Nyong'o's character often does, channeling Nakia will have you feeling powerful [41].
Black Panther Nakia Knitted Printed Top Leather Skirt
Yejue Black Panther Nakia Knitted Printed Top Leather Skirt [42] ($113)
M'Baku
If you've ever desired moving to a cold, remote island with no cell phone service, no Instagram, and a blatant removal from societal norms, well, Black Panther [43]'s M'Baku may be the costume for you. Despite fans' inexplicable thirst for Winston Duke's character [44], whom we first believed was a rival of T'Challa, the leader of the Jabari tribe was quite the savior when he helped save Wakanda from Killmonger's wrath. Just drape yourself in fur, embrace M'Baku's ruthlessness [45], and have yourself a chilly Halloween [46].
Ramonda
Channel the former Queen of Wakanda and Angela Bassett's iconic character this spooky season. As T'Challa and Princess Shuri's mother, nothing is more important to her than family, as she guided T'Challa with leadership advice. If you're going to portray the Queen Mother of Wakanda, don't forget your Kimoyo beads.
Black Panther Beads Bracelet
Black Panther Beads Bracelet [47] ($13)
W'Kabi
Daniel Kaluuya's character [48] broke hearts when he ditched his best friend and former ally T'Challa to support Killmonger. Black Panther [49] may not have been able to bring W'Kabi the man who killed his parents, but he absolutely showed his best friend that blood is thicker than water when he supported Killmonger against T'Challa [50]. Looking for a couples costume? W'Kabi and Okoye [51] are a fierce option — just know that Okoye will probably convince you to surrender all of your candy . . . just saying!
Zuri
It doesn't get more OG than Zuri. As the head priest and shaman of Wakanda, Forest Whitaker's character [52] places loyalty to his king above everything else. His priorities and unrelenting dedication to T'Chaka and T'Challa [53] end up costing Zuri his life when he confesses to T'Challa [54] what happened to Killmonger's father. Zuri sacrifices himself to save T'Challa from Killmonger's beating because that's just the kind of person he is. Grab your Spear of Bashenga and embrace your role as the loyal Zuri for Halloween [55].
More Black Panther Photos to Inspire Your Halloween Costume
