Here's what to expect from Black Panther. Ryan Coogler's movie was the first from Marvel Studios to star a Black superhero, and the movie proved to be one of the studios' biggest hits. Black Panther received a Best Picture nomination, won three Academy Awards, earned over $1.3 billion worldwide, and features an incredible ensemble led by Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa and Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger.
The success of Black Panther made it clear that Black Panther 2 would come, but Marvel didn't rush Coogler when it came to developing the sequel. The film was officially announced in 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con and received a 2022 release date shortly thereafter. But, development on the movie took a necessary break when Chadwick Boseman tragically ed away in August 2020 after a four-year secret battle with colon cancer. Boseman's friends and family, as well as his many fans, continue to mourn his loss. It was through careful consideration that Coogler and Marvel Studios decided that the best way to honor his legacy would be to move forward with Black Panther 2.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has since remained part of the MCU Phase 4 slate and is expected to be an emotional and important entry in the shared universe. The film's release is highly anticipated for several reasons, and the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con revealed a concrete release date for the film, along with an exciting new teaser trailer. Here's everything that's known about Black Panther 2.
Black Panther 2 Is Called Wakanda Forever
The official title for Black Panther's sequel is Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The tag of the title comes from the now-iconic "Wakanda Forever" saying those associated with the fictional African nation use as a rallying cry in the MCU. The battle cry being used as the film's title could be a sign of the war in which that the country finds itself embroiled during the sequel. However, it might also be a platform for exploring Wakanda's history and legacy, as well as being a reminder of Boseman's T'Challa leaving a lasting impact on the real world and the MCU. Either way, the latest footage shows Ramonda (Angela Bassett) making an imioned plea for her people and Wakanda being ravaged by floods. Wakandan identity will, like its forebear, sit at the heart of this Black Panther story, and available footage promises majestic visuals and increased scope.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Release Date
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's release date is November 11th, 2022. The film is slated for a theatrical debut, after falling foul of some MCU Phase 4 delays. Coogler and the production team started generating ideas back in 2018, but filming for Black Panther 2 didn't start until June of 2021. Production had to take a brief hiatus due to Letitia Wright (Shuri) sustaining an injury. Filming was recommenced in January of 2022 and finally wrapped up in March.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Cast
The cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is vast. It includes the returns of Letitia Wright as Shuri, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Winston Duke as M'Baku, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia, and Martin Freeman as Everett Ross. Tenoch Huerta is one of the film's new cast and is playing Namor the Sub-Mariner. Namor reigns over a civilization of underwater-dwelling people strongly assumed to be Atlantis, and the MCU's iteration may have a connection to the Mayans — Huerta even learned one of the Mayan languages for the role. I May Destroy You star Michaela Coel is also set to appear as Aneka. It is also confirmed Dominique Thorne will debut as Riri Williams a.k.a. Ironheart in the movie.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Story
Marvel Studios hasn't confirmed any story details about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The presence of Namor and his underwater kingdom of Atlantis has led to the belief that the sequel revolves around Wakanda and Atlantis going to war, and plenty of footage has surfaced of the Wakandans seeing off an underwater military presence – a coming teased in Wakanda and the underwater kingdom embarking on a terrestrial campaign for reasons yet unknown.
Who Will Be The New Black Panther?
After Marvel Studios decided not to recast the role of T'Challa, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will make someone else the new Black Panther. The most likely outcome based on the comics and the latest clips is that Shuri will take over the mantle and rule Wakanda. Those involved with the MCU teased long ago that they were also open to having multiple Black Panthers at once, so Black Panther: Wakanda Forever could also see Nakia and/or M'Baku suit up.
