Leading up to the release of Age of Ultron, we learned that Andy Serkis would not only be suiting up in a motion capture outfit, but he would also be taking on a live-action role in the film.
Fair warning, spoilers from here on out.
Before it even launched, we knew that he would be playing Ulysses Klaw, an arms dealer from the the African nation of Wakanda. In the comics, Klaw has strong ties to Black Panther, he’s actually one of Panther’s biggest adversaries. Some speculated that Black Panther might appear in Age of Ultron, but now we know he didn’t.
Who is Ulysses Klaw?
In Age of Ultron, we learn that Captain America’s shield is comprised of vibranium — the strongest material known to man. We also learn that this particular material is native to Wakanda, and that Ulysses Klaw is responsible for harvesting and selling it.
Naturally, Ultron pays him a visit to acquire as much vibranium as possible and the Avengers show up to stop him. They fail, thanks to Scarlet Witch, and Ultron absconds the nigh-indestructible material.
In one scene, Ultron severs Klaw’s hand in a fit of rage after hearing Tony Stark’s name. This fits right in with the Klaw backstory from the books.
In the comics, he replaces his right hand with a sonic emitter cannon. In the film universe, he could install this makeshift prosthetic himself or some other evil mastermind could do it — we don’t know yet. I refuse to believe that a man with Klaw’s ego would live his life with one hand, so I’m sure he’ll find a way to replace what he lost a la Luke Skywalker.
Klaw has strong ties to Baron Strucker and Hydra in the film and books. His storyline is terribly complex and tightly woven through Fantastic Four, Avengers and Black Panther books. If I were to explain everything about him here, I’d end up with a novel.
The most important thing to know about Klaw is that he has a sonic emitter/gun on his arm, and it has the capability to create objects and creatures through sound waves. It’s similar to how Green Lantern from the DC universe can create objects, only Klaw achieves this through sound not light.
Klaw also creates a device that can turn him into a being of sound, which leads to his own immortality.
Will Klaw Show Up Again in the Black Panther Movie?
Black Panther won’t hit films until July 6, 2018 so it’s a little early to say for sure. That said, it would be silly of Marvel not to be looking ahead.
Serkis’ cameo role in Age of Ultron has led many to believe that his character will return later in the universe. If it is going to happen, then Black Panther would certainly be the place.
When Serkis’ was asked if he would reprise his role for Black Panther, he said he had no idea.
“That, I know nothing about. I truly don’t know anything about that.”
I would certainly welcome a return for Serkis and his well-played version of Ulysses Klaw. Despite being a minor character in Age of Ultron, I think he did a remarkable job.
I especially love the scene where Ultron lops off his hand. You see a moment of panic in Klaw’s eyes, and then it’s quickly replaced with resentment and rage. He doesn’t cower for long either, which is something you’d expect to see from someone who just lost a limb. Instead, Klaw leaps into action and defends himself and his plant — ordering his men to kill everyone, just as any evil warlord would do. He would make a formidable antagonist.
At this point, I think it’s safe to say Klaw will make a return, but we’ll have to wait for an official confirmation to be sure.
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