Disney and Marvel Studios' upcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been the subject of intense speculation spurred by rumors of Namor's inclusion as well as the untimely passing of T'Challa actor Chadwick Boseman. More speculation may ensue now that Michaela Coel, the Emmy-nominated star of the HBO miniseries I May Destroy You, has been cast in Black Panther 2 in an undisclosed role.
In I May Destroy You, Coel stars as a young author named Arabella who is assaulted in a nightclub and must remember what happened that night while coming to terms with the implications of the event. The miniseries was nominated for six primetime Emmy awards, with four different nominations for Coel in acting, producing, directing, and writing categories. Since its release in 2020, the miniseries has garnered universal acclaim and been noted as a brazen commentary on modern society. The series is available to stream on HBO Max.
Variety reports role that Coel will be starring in for Black Panther 2 is currently undisclosed, but fans have speculated that the actress might be playing Ororo Munroe (a.k.a. Storm). This fan speculation follows the casting of The Forever Purge actor Tenoch Huerta in an undisclosed role for the Black Panther sequel, which prompted the aforementioned rumors that he had been cast as Namor the Sub-Mariner. Other actors confirmed to appear in the film include Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, and Winston Duke, along with Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, and Letitia Wright. Ryan Coogler is returning to write and direct alongside his Black Panther co-writer, The People v. O.J. Simpson scribe Joe Robert Cole, with Beastie Boys Story cinematographer Autumn Durald replacing Rachel Morrison as the cinematographer.
No matter which role Coel is given, it's clear that the multi-talented individual has a lot to give to the production of Black Panther 2. The film will undoubtedly continue to have a lot more attention locked onto it by fans and speculators leading up to its release.
While the passing of Boseman has left many fans worried about the future of the Black Panther franchise, the cast of the sequel has repeatedly assured audiences that the film will honor the late actor. Time will tell how Marvel Studios plans to move forward without Boseman (whose role will not be recast), but for now, at least, it appears Black Panther 2 has assembled an impressive cast with more than enough talent to keep the franchise going with intriguing stories and characters.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 8, 2022.
Source: Variety