After the record-breaking opening of 2018's Black Panther that took the world by storm, the highly anticipated Black Panther 2 has had fans eagerly waiting since 2019 when the sequel was announced. Nominated for 7 Academy Awards, the 18th film in the MCU accomplished something that few, if any, Marvel films have accomplished before, and that’s delving into deeper themes surrounding race and cultures of oppression. Audiences were surprised to witness such depth in a superhero movie and one that wasn’t afraid to address such complex topics.

The excitement and momentum continued to build until August of 2020 when Chadwick Boseman, who plays T'Challa/Black Panther, tragically passed away after a battle with cancer. His passing surprised many fans and friends, as his private battle was occurring ever since his diagnosis in 2016. Much uncertainty began to arise as to what would the sequel be about, let alone if it would continue or not after losing its lead hero. But months following the devastating events, Marvel confirmed that Black Panther 2 would live on. Here's everything we know so far.

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Release Date and Production

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After an originally planned release date of May 6, 2022 was announced at D23 back in 2019, Black Panther 2 will now be soaring back to theatres on July 8, 2022. The film is hoping to draw in large numbers just as its predecessor did.

Filming began on June 29, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. Ryan Coogler has returned to direct the film in what will be his first sequel ever. He will also be co-writing the script with Joe Robert Cole once again. The whole cast and crew, particularly Lupita Nyong'o, have expressed how difficult it is to return without Boseman and that they plan to do everything to honor his legacy and create a worthy sequel. Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who shot Loki, will be the new cinematographer.

The Official Title & Cast

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After Marvel Studios released a trailer that celebrates the MCU while also teasing the upcoming phase 4 this past May, the new title for Black Panther 2 was finally revealed. The film will officially be called, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

In early December 2020, Disney confirmed that Chadwick Boseman will not be digitally altered or recast as T'Challa. Marvel Studios president Kevin Fiege added to the statement, confirming that the sequel will focus more on Wakanda and further explore the mythology and history of the unique land. The sequel's cast will not disappoint, as most of the original cast, like Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia, Danai Guria as Okoye, Letitia Wright as Shuri, Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi, Winston Duke as M'Baku, Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, and Martin Freeman as CIA agent Everett K. Ross, will be returning.

New faces will be joining as well. Narcos: Mexico star Tenoch Huerta has been cast as the antagonist, Namor the Submariner, and HBO's I May Destroy You star and creator Michaela Coel has been added to the ensemble in a role that is still under wraps.

Fan-favorite Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger was also rumored to make a return to the sequel after Jordan expressed great interest in returning to his character and working with Ryan Coogler and the whole crew again. He could appear in some sort of flashback or cameo, but as of now, it is unlikely that he'll make an appearance in the film.

Plot

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Initially, the plot was to rely heavily on T'Challa growing into his new role as king of Wakanda, but that since he will not be recast, Coogler and Fiege seem to be shifting the story to focus on Wakanda's rich history and the ancestors that came before, an aspect that was briefly presented in the first film. Letitia Wright's Shuri will reportedly have a bigger role as it seems that she will step in as one of Wakanda's new bold leaders.

Namor is set to make his presence, so it makes sense that his character and Atlantis will be included. In the comics, Namor is the son of a mortal sea captain and an Atlantis princess. He seeks to protect his kingdom against any rivals, so seeing two advanced, hidden civilizations that clash tother might just be what Black Panther 2 will feature. At the end of Black Panther, T'Challa's goal was to have Wakanda more open and accessible to the rest of the world, so expect this explored in greater depth.

Footage

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Other than the title reveal, there has been no footage released for Black Panther 2 so far. With about a year to go, fans shouldn't expect a trailer anytime soon. With future MCU films releasing in coming months like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the first teaser/trailer could release ahead of those releases (very likely that it'd be no sooner than Spider-Man: No Way Home).

Even with all of the speculation and rumors that will soon come as the release date gets closer, there's no doubt that Coogler and the whole team will produce an emotionally resonant film that is full of rich themes, demanding performances, vibrant visuals, and also honors Chadwick Boseman. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hit theatres on July 8, 2022.

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