The first words Winston Duke says in Black Panther as M’Baku, leader of the Jabari tribe, double as a hell of a metaphor for Black Panther itself: It’s challenge day. The line is a reference to one of the traditions in the film’s fictional nation of Wakanda, where each of the five tribes are free to challenge the heir to the throne to combat on the day of their coronation. Winner takes all. To Winston Duke, the release of Black Panther can’t help but feel a bit like that, a direct call out to blockbuster cinema and the assumptions that drive it.

It’s challenge day.

As M’Baku, Winston Duke makes an immediate impression, even in a cast as stacked with revered legends and fan favorites as Black Panther. Well over six feet tall, the 31-year-old Tobagonian actor cuts an imposing figure, but it’s one that’s levied with tremendous wit and grace—in just a few brief scenes, Duke effortlessly goes from proud warrior to hilarious scene stealer, and he does it in no time at all.

Did we mention this is his first film role?

Following the release of Black Panther, GQ took the opportunity to speak with Duke about his breakout role, being in a movie that’s also a moment, and what it was like to dunk on the film’s token white guy.

GQ: What’s it been like, just taking it in?
Winston Duke: It’s more than I can ever imagine. Even leading up to this day, it’s been really huge, full of fanfare. Everyone is eager to jump into the world that we created. And now that it’s here, I believe it’s as good as they anticipated, maybe even something more. I watched it for a third time last night, with fans at the El Capitan theater, and the energy was electric. I was in a room with people that were just people of color. And they were responsive, and they got it, and they were applauding, and they were moved, and I feel like we’re on the forefront of something really great.