Ryan Coogler: It “hurts” to make Black Panther 2 without Chadwick Boseman

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 23: Director Ryan Coogler (L) and actor Chadwick Boseman attend the Marvel Studios presentation during Comic-Con International 2016 at San Diego Convention Center on July 23, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 23: Director Ryan Coogler (L) and actor Chadwick Boseman attend the Marvel Studios presentation during Comic-Con International 2016 at San Diego Convention Center on July 23, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Chadwick Boseman, the actor who portrayed the titular character in Marvel’s Black Panther, tragically died in August 2020 after a battle with colon cancer. In the wake of his death, fans and colleagues all over the world expressed their grief. As reported by SyFy WireBlack Panther writer-director Ryan Coogler continues to mourn the actor as he works on the film’s upcoming sequel.

“It’s very difficult to have perspective on something while you’re going through it,” Coogler explained during an appearance on the Jemele Hill Is Unbothered podcast. “This is one of the most profound things I’ve ever gone through in my life, having to be a part of keeping this project going without this particular person.”

"This one hurts. But it’s also incredibly motivating. Because you look back on how this guy lived his life and how he moved through the world and what he gave to us… I’m incredibly sad to lose him, but I’m also incredibly motivated that I got to spend time with him… You spend your life hearing about people like him."

For Coogler, a big question now is how to continue the story of Black Panther without the leading man, let alone create a Wakanda TV series for Disney+. From what we’ve heard, the second movie will have a bigger role for T’Challa’s sister Shuri (Letitia Wright). Boseman will not be recast, nor will they include some kind of CGI version of him.

Chadwick Boseman will appear as Black Panther in the MCU one more time

As of right now, Black Panther 2 is set to premiere on July 8, 2022. And even though Boseman won’t be in that film, he will appear one more time as King T’Challa. He recorded dialogue for an episode of Marvel’s What If…? anthology series, which will explore alternate versions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. You can check out the trailer below:

What If…? will come out sometime this year.

Next. Warner Bros. teases DC superhero slate, including Zatanna project. dark

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels