Black Panther: Wakanda Forever begins production in Atlanta

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has officially begun production in Atlanta at Pinewood Studios, according to Marvel boss Kevin Feige. Speaking to Variety, Feige addressed the emotional difficulty of making the film without the late Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in August of last year.

As the Black Panther himself, Boseman helped usher in a more diverse era for Marvel that’s included Anthony Mackie’s turn as Captain America. In the comics, Black Panther made his first appearance in Fantastic Four #52, which was at least three years before Sam Wilson’s Falcon appeared for the first time in Marvel comics in Captain America #117.

When King T’Challa got his first solo movie back in 2018, the world stood in shock and awe at the incredible world of Wakanda and all its technological glory. It was a movie that was years in the making and meant so much to so many people all around the world. I will never forget the first time I saw the trailer and the tears that came to my eyes. It truly was a very special moment in Marvel history.

Given the kind of sensation it caused, it was no shock when the movie went on to become the highest-grossing non-Avengers film of all time, earning $1.34 billion worldwide. It also snagged seven Academy Award nominations including Best Picture (it was the first-ever superhero movie to be nominated for this honor) and won for its score, costume design, and production design. I have no doubt we’ll get more of that in the second installment.

Black Panther: Wankada Forever aims to “make Chad proud”

The cast members are set to reprise their roles in the sequel, with Ryan Coogler returning to direct. But the huge void that Boseman has left behind will never be filled. It’s definitely a bittersweet moment for everyone involved, but they also share a sense of responsibility.

Feige said that “it’s clearly very emotional without Chad,” but that they are excited to jump back into the world of Wakanda and are “going to do in a way that would make Chad proud.” Anyone else feel torn up inside after reading that?

Even though we would love to see Boseman in the sequel in some shape or form, Marvel previously confirmed that they will not digitally recreate Boseman for the occasion. And they will not have someone replace Boseman as King T’Challa. I’m so relieved about that, and I’m sure many others are too. It just wouldn’t be the same and would make it harder to watch.

The plot details for the sequel have been kept under wraps for the most part, but previous reports have alluded to the film diving more into the particulars of Wakanda. That could mean a lot of things, but I hope that one of them is Letitia Wright’s Shuri stepping up to the plate in the absence of her brother. Her becoming the new Black Panther would be absolutely amazing, and so fitting!

I can’t wait to see what this film will bring to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and while it will be incredibly difficult to see it without Boseman, I know the cast and crew will do their best to make it a beautiful homage to him.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will release in theaters on July 8, 2022.

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h/t The A.V. Club