Black Panther Wakanda Forever
*In Marvel studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” we’re introduced to several new characters in the Marvel film universe, including Riri Williams portrayed by actor Dominique Thorne.
Williams is a whip-smart 19-year-old from Chicago who is a student at MIT. She spends her time hustling rich kids for money in exchange for completing their homework assignments and building gadgets in her converted lab. But unfortunately, her genius gets her caught up and forces her to take refuge in Wakanda.
Thorne originally auditioned for the role of “Shuri” years ago but got a call a couple of years later offering the role of Riri in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and the upcoming “Ironheart” series on Disney+.
Thorne is a Brooklyn, New York native who got her start on stage, starring in several productions as a drama student at NYC’s Professional Performing Arts High School. She made her feature film debut in Academy Award-winning writer/director Barry Jenkins’ “If Beale Street Could Talk,” and also appeared in Academy Award-nominated “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
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Our time is now.
Experience Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: #WakandaForever, now playing only in theaters. Get tickets now: https://t.co/ACmjU47GTU pic.twitter.com/E49cyWNUQh
— Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (@theblackpanther) November 11, 2022
I talked with Thorne about what insight writer/director Ryan Coogler gave her about the character. She said the most critical piece of information that Coogler shared was that Riri is a “gearhead.”
Thorne explained, “first and foremost, she’s an adrenaline junkie. She moves through the world with her hands by building things and creating.”
Thorne also noted that she fell in love with the character being her authentic self.
“At almost every turn, which I think is also a nice treat as an audience member, because it allows for the story to become about so much more,” she explained. “Riri doesn’t know what other conflict is going on because this person is also showing up to whatever the moment is as they are. So I think this movie has allowed for many fun and joyful moments alongside the more difficult things that the audience had to reckon.”
Watch my full conversation with Dominique Thone via the clip below.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is currently in theatres everywhere.
*Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
