Angela Bassett has reflected on filming stunt injury of lead actress Letitia Wright, to a COVID-19 outbreak that delayed filming. Of course, the biggest blow was the loss of the Black Panther himself, titular star Boseman, who ed away after a battle with cancer in 2020. Writers have since reframed the storyline to continue without him, with most of the original film's cast reprising their roles.
The details of Black Panther 2 have remained mostly under wraps, and rumors have been rampant surrounding the film's plot and potential character appearances. Among the confirmed characters is Riri Williams, a.k.a. Ironheart, who will be played by Dominique Thorne and also have a series coming soon to the Disney+ service. Rumors have also swirled around the appearance of Namor the Submariner, who may be played by Tenoch Huerta, fueling speculation that Black Panther 2 will focus on the war between Wakanda and Namor's home of Atlantis. Marvel has yet to confirm his casting, Namor's Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, or any other details for that matter.
Bassett, who will be reprising her role as Ramonda (T'Challa and Shuri's mother), is just as tight-lipped when it comes to the details of Black Panther 2. However, appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show earlier this week (via @bpanthernews), the actor did reflect on the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in the wake of Boseman's ing. As well as praising director Ryan Coogler and hyping that Black Panther 2 would "top" the original movie, Bassett said that the film's inspiration for "rais[ing] the standard" was Boseman himself:
"He was such an example, such a leader. Amazing talent, we all know that; big heart, great intellect. And we just hope to raise the standard, you know."
Topping the original Black Panther would be a tall order, considering the critical acclaim the film received when it first released. Often lauded as one of the best MCU movies to date, Black Panther remains Marvel's only film to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards, as well as a Best Motion Picture (Drama) nomination at the Golden Globes. However, Boseman's ing has tinged its sequel with some sadness, as its cast, crew and fans continue to feel the loss of the MCU's first Black lead superhero.
Still, considering the adversity that has surrounded Black Panther 2 for the past two years, one can't help but share Bassett's hopes that the sequel film will exceed expectations. The script's multiple rewrites alone could have led to one of the most refined Marvel films yet to be seen, and Bassett has first-hand knowledge as one of its major stars. Audiences will have to wait to see how Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will honor Chadwick Boseman's legacy as T'Challa when it hits theaters in November.
Source: @bpanthernews/Twitter
