One villain often cited as having a justifiable motive for their actions is Erik Killmonger from Marvel’s “Black Panther.” Killmonger, whose real name is N’Jadaka, is portrayed as a character who seeks to challenge the status quo and address systemic oppression, albeit through violent and destructive means. His backstory reveals that he was born and raised in poverty and suffered significant personal loss, which shaped his worldview. As he witnessed racial injustices and the struggles of African descendants globally, he believed that by taking control of Wakanda, a technologically advanced and resource-rich nation, he could arm oppressed individuals worldwide to rise against their oppressors.
Killmonger’s motivation stems from a place of pain and injustice. He highlights real-world issues, such as racial inequality and the effects of colonialism, while questioning Wakanda’s isolationist policies. Though his methods are extreme, his core desire for equality and empowerment of the marginalized evokes sympathy, making him a complex villain. His narrative encourages viewers to consider the blurred lines between heroism and villainy when the motives are rooted in a desire for corrective justice.
