Black Panther was one of the biggest movies of 2018, claiming the second spot for highest-grossing film of the year behind another MCU project, Avengers: Infinity War. Chadwick Boseman led the movie as T'Challa, aka the Black Panther, heir to the kingdom of Wakanda. It was apparent a sequel would be made following the first film's release. However, no one would predict making the follow-up without the main star of the initial Black Panther.
Chadwick Boseman tragically passed away in August 2020 after a 4-year battle with cancer. This sent shock waves throughout the entertainment industry, as nearly no one knew of his illness. The cast and crew of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever were forced to take a step back and not only reevaluate the script of the sequel but decide whether they wanted to make another film without Boseman. Eventually, the Black Panther team decided to go ahead with the sequel, honoring the late Boseman with the film, which would be a tribute to the celebrated actor.
Now, Letitia Wright is sharing how her character deals with the loss of T'Challa within Wakanda Forever. The actress plays Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the younger sister of the Black Panther. She's known for her astounding intellect, often aiding her brother through her use of advanced Wakandan technology. During an interview with Black Nerd Girls at San Diego Comic-Con, Wright explains how the death of her brother T'Challa affects her character in the upcoming sequel.
"Shuri definitely is consumed with her work. The loss of her brother causes her to be so consumed with her work that she's creating at another level, at a higher level actually. So there's so much new technology to look forward to, and I think that's where her sweet spot is at the moment. Like, 'How do I process this?' And she just throws all of her energy, even more so, into technology. So, there's a lot of cool new things to look out for.'
Fans have wondered whether Shuri will take on the Black Panther role in Wakanda Forever as she wishes to carry on her brother's legacy in the new film. With the development of new technology, it would make sense how her character could be a force to reckon with, and she's proven herself to be battle-ready in previous movies.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will hit theaters later this year, on Nov. 11th.
Wakanda Forever Was an Emotional Journey for Everyone Involved
The Black Panther team grew close throughout the first film's production, and everyone was understandably devastated when they learned of Chadwick Boseman's passing. Black Nerd Girls asked Florence Kasumba, who plays Ayo in the upcoming movie, what it was like on the first day back of filming. She mentions the mixture of pain and excitement towards the production and how her fellow co-stars and crew could feel the love from each other. Her full quote can be read below.
"It was a lot, it was pain, but it was being also excited, being optimistic, having the colleagues around feeling the love was a lot of emotions. But at the end of the day it's a very safe space. So we and our colleagues we can talk about things and we can work on things together, so that's how it was.
Director Ryan Coogler is returning to helm the film, and he will undoubtedly do his best to honor the late actor. Fans can see how the cast and crew praise their dear friend when Black Panther: Wakanda Forever releases in theaters on November 11th.