Who is Nakia in Black Panther?

Wakandan War Dog and T'Challa's former lover

Who plays Nakia in Black Panther?

Nakia is played by Lupita Nyong'o.

Nakia has 4 mapped relationships in Black Panther. Explore the interactive relationship map for details.

Eye Color: Brown. Hair Color: Brown hair. First Appearance: Black Panther.

Nakia — Romantic Former Lovers — T'Challa / Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman)
Their unresolved romantic history develops into renewed trust and partnership.

Nakia is described as T'Challa's ex-lover, and he extracts her from an undercover assignment for his coronation.
Nakia — Alliance Mission Partner — Okoye (Danai Gurira)
They cooperate as skilled Wakandan operatives during a dangerous capture mission.

Nakia and Okoye accompany T'Challa during the Busan operation against Klaue.
Nakia — Alliance Resistance Ally — Shuri (Letitia Wright)
They become key allies in preserving T'Challa's cause.

Nakia and Shuri flee with Ramonda and Ross and later participate in the fight against W'Kabi's forces.
Nakia — Alliance Protected Ally — Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman)
Ross risks his life to protect Nakia, strengthening cooperation with Wakanda.

Ross is gravely injured while protecting Nakia during Erik's attack.