Why the Golden Jaguar suit instead of Black Panther?

Why the Golden Jaguar suit instead of Black Panther? - Dandy fancy jackets with shiny ties on dummies in showroom of contemporary male shop

In the Black Panther movie and the trailer, we see Michael B Jordan seems to posses a vibranium suit of his own.

However, according to Wakandan traditions, he doesn't wear a suit that represents the Black Panther.

Killmonger is the new Black Panther and king of Wakanda because he defeated T'Challa in mortal combat and took the throne and the title of the new Black Panther, however...

he seems to wear a customized suit depicting 'The Golden Jaguar'.

Why does he do this? Why doesn't he choose to be another Black Panther instead of choosing to be the 'Golden Jaguar'.

Not once in the film did he refer to a jaguar (I believe). He isn't from any kind of Jaguar tribe, he doesn't even mention he likes that kind of animal. So why did he choose this kind of outfit over another Black Panther one?

We must also mention he

consumed the Heart-Shaped Herb which gave him the powers of the Black Panther

Also, I do realize Marvel likes to have movie villains to be doppelgangers of the protagonist (Iron Man 1, Antman, Doctor Strange etc) but I don't understand why he chooses to change the tradition of Black Panthers.



Best Answer

There are multiple reasons, all of them connected with each other.

First, both suits represent the Black Panther. T'Challa's sister made both for him to wear, one flashy (to show off as a king), the other more subdued one. In fact, on his first mission, T'Challa wanted to wear the golden one since he was interested in it but since he was persuaded to wear a stealthy suit for the stealth mission, so he wore "the silver" one. I guess "The Golden Jaguar" is the name from the comics.

Second, Michael B Jordan's character Erik Killmonger was trained and specialized in the destabilization of authoritative regimes. In Wakanda, he gets there, disposes of the ruler, takes over. And what do we see him do with power he gains that way?

He shows off at first and for a good reason. Earlier, we see T'Challa wear simple, traditional clothes. Why? Because the people of Wakanda know him. They all know that he is the king and there is no need for showing off. Killmonger wears flashy golden clothes with US-style shoes and pants. Why? Because his power is not certain yet, he just took over. All of his clothes scream: I am in charge. I wear the crown, I wear the gold here.

It is easier to follow a king which looks like a king, thus the golden ornaments for the benefit of his subjects. And yet, it is easier to look and act authoritatively when you're wearing your own pants and shoes, clothes you're used to and feel comfortable in.

Third, he wasn't given much chance to pick a suit. T'Challa's sister steals the suit and some other equipment before the final battle. The only remaining suits are the old suit and the new golden one. Killmonger picks the golden one. Of course he does, because that affirms his power. No shabby old suit for him, but the newest and best, fit for a king.

Fourth, why he chooses to burn the flowers and change the traditions? Because that's what newly crowned dictators do! Out with the old, in with the new, just do it fast before anyone gets funny ideas to ask you "What the hell are you doing?" and stops you. History starts with a dictator. In a few years, nobody will remember how it used to be. And those who remember will be afraid to say anything because by that time the new leader will get a chance to stabilize and fortify his power. And by burning the flowers, nobody will get any funny ideas to overthrow him, to even think about throne succession after him.

We live in the now, where I am the king. My word is law, there was no past before me and there will be no future after me.




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Why the Golden Jaguar suit instead of Black Panther? - Man Wearing Black Notched Lapel Suit Jacket
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What does the gold Black Panther suit do?

Erik Killmonger ("n\xe9" N'Jadaka) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Don McGregor and Rich Buckler, he first appeared in Jungle Action #6 (September 1973).

Who is the golden Black Panther?

There were 4 Black Panther suits in the Black Panther film. The first was T'Chaka's suit in Oakland in 1992. The second was T'Challa's suit from the film Captain America: Civil War. Later in the film, Shuri introduces T'Challa to his new suit, which has a triangular pattern and purple digital veins.

Does Black Panther have different suits?

Recently, Yahoo! Movies exclusively shared a series of Black Panther action figures which includes Erik Killmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan). Unlike the costume we got to see him wear in the promo photos and trailer, the supervillain has managed to get a Vibranium suit as well.



The Golden Jaguar Suit Explained | Black Panther




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