10 Black Sci-Fi Characters Who Weren’t Turned into ‘Cannon Fodder’

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:

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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.

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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.

More Than Avengers: 13 Top Black Marvel Characters Of All Time

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Luke Cage

Luke Cage, wrongly convicted and unjustly imprisoned, was altered in a failed prison experiment that granted him bulletproof skin and superhuman strength. With his street smarts, and unending determination to do right, he fights for the common man. He also has a wife and child, showing his nature as a family man.

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James Rhodes (Iron Patriot)

James Rhodes is Tony Stark’s personal pilot and one of the playboy’s oldest friends. Rhodes has often donned the Iron Man armor when the burden has been too much for his friend, but has also established his own identity as the Iron Patriot.