Consider this a checkpoint of the Border Tribe.
But the traditions of their country have placed Killmonger in charge.
The rules are the rules.
Matt Kennedy/Marvel Studios
And they must be obeyed, even if they install someone whose leadership skills and temperament are questionable.
You are the greatest warrior Wakanda has.
Help me overthrow him before he becomes too strong, Nakia implores Okoye.
Matt Kennedy/Marvel Studios
Im not a spy who can come and go as they so c’mon.
I am loyal to that throne, no matter who sits upon it.
Nakia says this is not just about revenge for TChalla.
I love my country too.
Then you serve your country, Okoye says.
No, Nakia answers.
I save my country.
The Actors Speak
In a recent interview, Gurira said the real-world parallels are obvious.
The thing thats very interesting about [Okoye] to me is she is a very strong traditionalist.
She believes in holding the country together, Gurira said.
I found that really fascinating.
One theyre definitely not anticipating.
And not prepared to manage.
No one says Donald Trumps name, but no one has to.
Its an issue thats bigger than him, even if hes the latest example.
And that picture will change, Gurira said.
The institution is something that youre trying to maintain.
Its a struggle this nation is in, in many ways, she said of the United States.
Institutions dont change with individuals.
But what happens when the individual is someone you have trouble aligning with?
Those are the forces pushing Okoye and Nakia in opposite directions, even though they believe the same thing.
I love that scene between Nakia and Okoye, Gurira said.
Neither of them are wrong.
And I love how it relates to issues we see in contemporary governments across the world.
[Nakia] is basically saying, Lets do a coup detat.
And [Okoye] says, Were not one of those nations.
But at the same time, Nakia says, Im gonna save my nation.
When I did ADR, I was like, I think Im on Nakias side!
Gurira said with a laugh.
And then I watch it again, and I see [Okoyes] point of view.
But I love that they make both arguments.
Theyre just working two different approaches to the same problem.
These women are not pitted against each other, Gurira said.
They are dealing with deep philosophical ideologies and values and ways to respond to trauma.
