‘We’re not recasting T’Challa’ – Here’s what you need to know about the Black Panther sequel

Chadwick Boseman became one of the most loved superhero protagonists in 2018 for his standout portrayal of King T’Challa/Black Panther following the movie’s release that year, winning fans both within and outside the Marvel community.

The euphoria that also followed when Marvel announced there was going to be a sequel to the box office success movie was, however, cut short following the news of his unexpected and unfortunate death last year. Fans were left in limbo with regards to how Marvel was going to develop another plot without the lead character and wondered whether or not Boseman will be recast.

Disney, however, laid those rumors to rest last year when they announced he wasn’t going to be recast with a new actor, adding that the Ryan Coogler-directed sequel would rather “explore the world of Wakanda & the rich characters introduced in the first film.”

In a recent interview with Deadline, the president of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, reiterated that fact and elaborated further on the sequel’s plot and what fans should expect.

“So much of the comics and that first movie is the world of Wakanda,” Feige said. “Wakanda is a place to further explore with characters and different subcultures. This was always and initially the primary focus of the next story.”

Responding to another rumor of Boseman’s character being possibly cast in Computer Graphics (CG), Feige said: “We’re not going to have a CG Chadwick and we’re not recasting T’Challa. Ryan Coogler is working very hard right now on the script with all the respect and love and genius that he has, which gives us great solace, so it was always about furthering the mythology and the inspiration of Wakanda.”

Black Panther became an instant box office success when it was released, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide and breaking several records along the way. And though Boseman may be gone, Feige said the sequel will honor him and what he stood for.

“There’s also the task of honoring and respecting the ongoing learnings and teachings from Chad as well,” he said.

Boseman passed away in his home in Los Angeles on August 28 after a four-year battle with colon cancer, his representatives revealed. The Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom star largely kept his diagnosis and battle with cancer private up until his death. A statement said he was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and filmed many movies “during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.” Boseman was reportedly buried near his South Carolina hometown six days after he died.

Black Panther 2 will hit the theatres on July 8, 2022, Disney announced.