Last year it was announced that actress Nabiyah Be would be portraying the character Nightshade in Black Panther. However, eagled-eyed, fans noticed that when the credits rolled the character (who helped Killmonger early-on in the film) was credited only as “Linda.”
It’s believed this is because Gabrielle Dennis will be portraying Nightshade in Luke Cage’s second season.
However! (OMG MY FIRST SPOILER CUT)
You will noticed, in the film, “Linda” seems to be responsible for poisoning the museum curator who Killmonger and Klaue attack. (In the “I’m just feelin’ it” scene.) This was perhaps meant to be a reference to Nightshade’s proficiency with toxins and other substances. (She turns people into werewolves!)
She’s later seen making out with Killmonger, and Klaue suggests they have a “Bonnie and Clyde” thing going.
Killmonger shoots her during his fight with Klaue.
An interesting discussion about Killmonger’s toxic masculinity made me think about the fate of poor Linda-Not-Nightshade. She’s one of the few female characters who, though shown to be skilled, isn’t treated with much dignity.
