Last year, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman tragically passed away at 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer. Director Ryan Coogler recently discussed the emotional challenges of making the sequel without Boseman. Coogler’s Black Panther was considered one of the best films set in the MCU. Not only did the blockbuster gross over $1 billion worldwide, but it also received seven Oscar nominations. It became the first MCU film to win an Academy award and earn a Best Picture nomination. The film starred Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa / Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger, Lupita Nyongo as Nakia, and Daniel Kaluuya as W’Kabi.
During a recent appearance on the Jemele Hill Is Unbothered podcast, Coogler revealed that he’s still processing the loss of his friend/co-worker. He stated that making Black Panther 2 is the hardest thing he’s ever done professionally. “One thing that I’ve learned in my short or long time on this earth, however you want to look at it, is that it’s very difficult to have perspective on something while you’re going through it,” said Coogler. “And this is one of the more profound things I’ve ever gone through in my life. Having to be a part of keeping this project going without this particular person who was like the glue that held it together.”
Later on in the podcast, the 34-year-old filmmaker asserted that Boseman was a special person who touched everyone around him. “I’m incredibly sad to lose him but I’m also incredibly motivated that I got to spend time with him.” He stressed that the upcoming sequel will pay tribute to the late-great actor. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige previously stated that Black Banter 2 wouldn’t recast the role of T’Challa or create a digital version of Boseman. "Chadwick Boseman was an immensely talented actor and an inspirational individual who affected all of our lives,” said Feige. “His portrayal of T'Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends any iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel's past. It's for that reason we will not recast the character."
Earlier this year, Coogler’s production company, Proximity Media signed a five-year overall executive television with Disney. The writer/director is slated to create and produce several series for the studio. The first will be a Wakanda drama series for Disney Plus. Details on the cast and plot of the series have yet to be announced. It remains to be seen if the show will feature characters from the hit film. The Wakanda series joins many MCU-related series in the works at Disney Plus. Hawkeye, She-Hulk, Moon Knight, and Armor Wars are all expected to be released on the streaming service.
Coogler hasn’t said how the sequel will specifically address Boseman’s passing. The Black Panther star has earned wide critical acclaim for his performance in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. The Denzel Washington produced film follows the clashes between blues singer Ma Rainey (Viola Davis) and ambitious horn player Levee (Boseman). Boseman is expected to earn his first Oscar nomination for his final on-screen performance. The actor was awarded the Golden Globe for lead actor in a drama in February. His widow, Simone Ledward Boseman, gave an emotional speech at the ceremony. "He would say something beautiful," she said. "Something inspiring. Something that would amplify that little voice inside of all of us that tells you you can. That tells you to keep going ... and I don't have his words."
Black Panther 2 is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 8, 2022.
Source: Jemele Hill is Unbothered