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- Black Panther Sequel Gets an Official Title – Here's Everything We Know
Black Panther Sequel Gets an Official Title – Here's Everything We Know
by
brea cubit
Everett Collection / Matt Kennedy
Ever since Marvel Studios confirmed Black Panther‘s sequel in 2018, fans have been yearning for more details. But following the heartbreaking death of lead star Chadwick Boseman, many are left wondering how the franchise will move forward without King T’Challa. Information about the second instalment has remained under wraps as the cast and crew figure out how to honour Boseman and the Black Panther legacy. But on May 3, Marvel confirmed the film’s official release date and title.
In a November interview with Argentinian newspaper Clarín, executive producer Victoria Alonso spoke about the studio’s plans, asserting that they will not use a CGI re-creation of Boseman. “There’s only one Chadwick, and he’s no longer with us,” she told the paper, according to Deadline. “Sadly, our king has died in real life, not only in fiction, and we’re taking a little time to see how we continue the story and how to honour this chapter of what has unexpectedly happened to us, so painful and terrible to be honest.” While we await more updates, look ahead to read up on everything we know about the Black Panther sequel.
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The Title
Marvel confirmed that the upcoming sequel will officially be titled Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection / Copyright Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection
The Creative Team
Ryan Coogler, who shared a heartfelt tribute to Boseman after the actor’s passing, will return as the director and writer. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige is also producing the film.
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The Cast
While the new leader of Wakanda is still unknown, Feige previously expressed interest in giving more screen time to Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri, and Danai Gurira, who portrays Okoye. “I think Shuri’s astounding, and you’ll see much more of her in our universe,” Feige told Entertainment Weekly in March 2018. “Okoye, I think I’d watch three action films just Okoye. I’m not saying we’re doing that, but I’m saying that we’re intrigued by them.”
There’s also been some speculation that Michael B. Jordan – who played Erik Stevens, aka Killmonger, in the original – will play some part, despite his onscreen death. In May 2018, Metro reported: “They’re still yet to decide if Michael B Jordan will return in some capacity but if he doesn’t it’s likely [Childish] Gambino may play some kind of villain.” That’s especially interesting, considering Donald Glover (who uses Childish Gambino as his musical stage name) already made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Spider-Man: Homecoming as Aaron Davis. In April, Jordan admitted that it’s unlikely he’ll return for the second film, but he’s also not ruling it out entirely. “Never say never,” he said on SiriusXM’s Jess Cagle Show. “I can’t predict the future.”
©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection / null
The Plot
There aren’t many details about the second installment’s plot, but we do know that it will be part of Marvel’s phase four. However, it has been confirmed that Boseman’s character will not be recast. “Chadwick Boseman was an immensely talented actor and an inspirational individual who affected all of our lives professionally and personally,” Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said during Disney’s Investor Day event. “His portrayal of T’Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past.” Feige added: “To honor the legacy that Chad helped us build through his portrayal of the king of Wakanda, we want to continue to explore the world of Wakanda and all of the rich and varied characters introduced in the first film.”