The unprecedented success of Black Panther -- a nearly all-black, politically-charge and Oscar nominated phenomenon -- all but guaranteed there would be a sequel. And Marvel wisely had already re-enlisted the talented writer-director Ryan Coogler to continue exploring the big screen world he helped create.
Everything seemed to be going according to plan (with the disruption of covd, of course) until Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman died after a long concealed battle with caner. Even before he died, Boseman's performance in the leading role was legendary and iconic, but now with his untimely passing, he has come to represent even more.
Almost immediately after his death there was speculation about the future of Boseman's most famous role. Fans feared that the T'Challa character would be clumsily resurrected using technology (Marvel has reportedly already ruled this ghastly idea out) or that he would be re-cast.
I had hoped Coogler and company would take a more ambitious approach. Instead of recasting T'Challa, I would establish the character's death -- which would give a new movie stakes and emotional heft. And, his charismatic and resourceful sister Shuri (played by Letitia Wright) would stand up to take his place.
I understand that a similar narrative played out in the Black Panther comic books albeit not because of T'Challa's death. But there is no cutting around this tragedy and I think the sequel would be stronger if it addressed it head on instead of pretending the character is just taking time off (like how the Fast & Furious movies have handled Paul Walker) or attempting some kind of Frankenstein effect (like they did with Carrie Fisher in The Rise of Skywalker).
Coogler is definitely not in an enviable position. In many ways he will have to abandon a narrative that he likely intended to follow through with. And the possessiveness that so many people for the character and Chadwick Boseman's portrayal are formidable. There will be some fans who just can't or won't be pleased with whatever choice is made.
I, however, am heartened that there is already talk about Letitia Wright having a 'larger' role, although there have been few specifics released, as is the norm with these kinds of big event movies.
Wright is a great actress, who nearly stole the first film, and it's high time Marvel had a feature film with a woman of color at its center, but clearly this already heavily hyped and anticipated film will have its work cut out for it.
There is still no clear end in sight to the closure of most cinemas around the country -- and Wonder Woman 1984, which has hoped to debut wide this year, will now be released simultaneously on HBO's streaming platform as well as the few theaters that are still open.
Black Panther II, which aims to being shooting next summer. presumably with strict covd-19 protocols in place, and it will be expected to be one of the films that can keep the moviegoing experience alive. I'm rooting for it to be great or at least just as good as the original.
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