Black Sci-Fi Characters Cannon Fodder Archives

Science-fiction can take the average person to awesome unexplored worlds or strange dimensions with different life forms. It can introduce new species and new ideas about the universe we all share and visions of the future we would like to see and what we wouldn’t want for humanity. Surprisingly, sci-fi also is a great way to infuse a variety of people in these new and interesting stories that other genres fail to do. Black actors have gained great notoriety for their roles in these types of films.
‘Book of Eli’ (2010)

This neo-Western takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a book is the most prized and sought-after object. Denzel Washington is the star and portrays Eli, the protector of the book. Washington’s intensity is what makes this film worthy of watching.

‘Star Wars: Episode V — Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)

Lando Calrissian aka Billy Dee Williams is the leader of Cloud City and a close friend to Han Solo. He was a vital role player in episode six when the Rebel Alliance launched a final attack on the Empire. Calrissian had nuance and a swagger that could not be replicated.

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In horror and sci-fi films, there are very few minority characters. The few who are part of the cast tend to be used as a plot device or are killed off. The term “cannon fodder” literally means cannon food. Soldiers are the metaphorical food for enemy cannon fire, or, in this case, they are the reason other characters fight on in sci-fi films. Here are characters who go against the trend:

Selena from 28 Days Later

Selena was the smartest person in the film. She managed to escape the fastest zombies up to that point by not being stupid.

Zoe Washburne in Serenity and Firefly

Washburne is one of writer Joss Whedon’s underrated female characters. She is the most resourceful and reasonable character in Firefly, and her death would have only ruined the show.

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