Dame Vaako

Dame Vaako, played by actress Thandie Newton, is the secondary antagonist in the film and is the wife of the Necromonger Empire commander Lord Vaako. Dame Vaako is consumed by, even defined by, overweening ambition. She is not a comfortable wife, constantly pushing Vaako to higher office, even hinting at murder to advance his career.

She is first seen on her husband's arm exiting the Basilica, and is later observed inspecting a room full of potential converts that the Purifier is preaching to. She ignores the Purifier and examines the converts, perhaps attempting to weed out potential rivals or select new servants. When Riddick appears and causes a scene, Dame Vaako recognizes that the Necromonger troops are no match for him; when the decision is made to bring him to the Necropolis, Dame Vaako positions herself on his arm and gives him a tour.