Despite the massive worldwide success of Marvel’s Black Panther, the tragic death of star Chadwick Boseman in August 2020 cast huge uncertainty over the fate of the sequel. How could the film continue without its hugely talented leading man? But in May 2021 it was confirmed that the film was moving ahead with the title Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Obviously, the movie we will see in 2022 will be a different one to what would’ve been released if Boseman was still with us to play T’Challa. But even though he will leave a huge hole in the film–both emotionally and in terms of the story–a hugely impressive team has assembled in front of and behind the camera to bring the next movie about the hidden, high-tech African kingdom of Wakanda to the screen.
Production started last summer, and after a delay, will reportedly resume early next year. Wakanda Forever is one of three MCU movies currently scheduled for 2022, but is perhaps the most anticipated. So here’s everything we know to date about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
What’s the release date?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11, 2022.
Who’s the director?
Ryan Coogler is the director. Coogler helmed the first Black Panther, as well as the hit Rocky spin-off Creed and the acclaimed 2013 indie drama Fruitvale Station.
Who’s the writer?
Coogler has co-written the script with Joe Robert Cole. Cole co-wrote the first movie, and also worked on the acclaimed TV drama The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Who’s coming back?
Many of the original cast will return for the sequel. They include:
- Lupita Nyong’o as the spy Nakia
- Danai Gurira as Okoye, the head of Wakanda’s all-female special forces, the Dora Milaje
- Letitia Wright as Shuri, T’Challa’s younger sister
- Martin Freeman as CIA agent Everett K. Ross
- Winston Duke as M’Baku, the leader of the Jabar tribe
- Angela Bassett as Ramonda, T’Challa and Shuri’s mother
- Isaach de Bankolé as River Tribe Elder
- Dorothy Steel as Merchant Tribe Elder. Steel sadly died in October this year, making her appearance in Wakanda Forever her final role.
Who’s new?
Only a couple of new actors have been confirmed for Wakanda Forever so far. Dominique Thorne (Judas and the Black Messiah) will play Riri Williams, aka Ironheart. In Marvel’s comic books, Williams is an amazing inventor who builds a suit of armor based on Tony Stark’s Iron Man designs. Thorne will then reprise the role in the Disney+ MCU show Ironheart.
In addition, award-winning British actor and writer Michaela Coel (I Will Destroy You) has been cast in a so-far undisclosed role.
What’s the story?
Almost no plot details have been released about Wakanda Forever. It’s been rumored that the film might see the MCU debut of Namor the Submariner, and focus on the conflict between Wakanda and Atlantis. But until we get some official confirmation, this is just speculation for now.
There’s been a production delay
Back in August, Letitia Wright had an on-set accident while performing a stunt. While her injuries were initially thought to be minor, in November it was confirmed by producers that they were “much more serious, with Letitia suffering a critical shoulder fracture, and a concussion with severe side effects.” As a result, production was halted, and is currently set to resume in January. The November release date has not affected so far, but it is possible the movie might move back to 2023.
Is there any footage or images?
Unsurprisingly, given the film hasn’t even finished principal photography, we’re yet to see any official footage or pictures yet. However, some behind-the-scenes images leaked in August, showing Wright, Gurira, Freeman and Williams on set.
Source: Gamespot
