Black Panther 2 changed forever after the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, but it has been confirmed that Marvel Studios will still continue to develop the sequel to an effort pay tribute to the late actor.
Directed by returning Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, the film will explore other areas of Wakanda alongside the rich and varied characters that were introduced in the 2018 blockbuster.
After the reveal that Boseman will not be recast in the sequel, details about Black Panther 2 remain minimal , leaving fans to speculate how it will continue the franchise satisfyingly. One of the running theories from the fandom includes the potential return of Michael B. Jordan's Erik Killmonger .
It remains to be seen if this MCU comeback will happen, but a new interview with the Marvel actor has shed some light on the matter.
MICHAEL B. JORDAN KEEPS MUM IN BLACK PANTHER 2
Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan recently sat down as a guest on Movies with Ali Plumb , and one of the questions that were asked to the actor revolved around his potential return in the MCU sequel.
In the interview, Plumb teased Jordan by asking how does he let “people down gently that Killmonger isn't coming back” in the MCU. The actor then pointed out that it was a “nice reverse question” but he quickly realized that it was a trick for him to reveal his involvement in the sequel.
Jordan admitted that he still doesn't know “what Marvel has up their sleeves” so he “can't let them down, nor get them excited” about any tease that comes from him:
"You've been doing this for some time. I don't know what Marvel has up their sleeves. So I can't let them down, nor get them excited, with any information that may or may not come out of my mouth. That I may or may not have said. And that's all I can say, if I said anything at all."
The snippet of the interview can be viewed below.
Is Michael B. Jordan coming back for Black Panther 2? Well... I tried 😂 pic.twitter.com/msgo2UsC3q
NO MORE KILLMONGER AFTER THE INFINITY SAGA?
Despite serving as the chief villain of the first film, many would agree that Killmonger was one of its breakout stars, and a return in Black Panther 2 is a welcome sight for everyone.
Michael B. Jordan previously revealed that he is willing to return to the aforementioned role, citing the fact that his time with Marvel Studios was “ very, very near and dear to [his] heart.” In addition, the actor also addressed this topic in another interview , pointing out that he “can't say too much” about it, but he will gladly return if ever there will be an opportunity down the line.
This is a good indication of Jordan's potential comeback in the Wakandan franchise, but his latest comments suggest that nothing is set in stone as of the moment.
It is also possible that this is Jordan's way of avoiding the famous Marvel snipers due to the strict policy of the studio, and it appears that the actor is looking very good in terms of not confirming nor denying his appearance in Black Panther 2 .
In MCU canon, Killmonger died in 2018's Black Panther after an intense battle with Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa. Given that this is the comic book world that no one really dies, there is still a chance that the villain can be brought back to life, but this could diminish the impact of his death in the first film.
Whatever the case, Black Panther 2 needs a new villain, and it's reasonable to assume that it will not be Killmonger this time around.
Black Panther 2 is set to premiere in theaters on July 8, 2022.
