After Chadwick Boseman's tragic passing, the future of the franchise was thrown through a loop. Everyone was in mourning, and the world of Wakanda fell into Limbo. Thankfully though, the Black Panther franchise will live on.
Announced last December, Marvel revealed that the sequel was to be called Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and focus on the world of Wakanda and its people. Plot details are unknown, but the project has just started production in Atlanta, GA, so hopefully, more will be known soon.
Making this film hasn't been an easy task. Many have spoken out about how challenging it has been, like director Ryan Coogler stating that it has been one of the hardest things that he has had to do in his entire life. It's a sentiment that has been shared by several other cast members as well, who have expressed how emotional it was to be continuing the films without Boseman.
With filming having just started, it's certain to be a difficult journey. But everyone involved is confident that they are making something truly special that would make Chadwick Boseman proud. Including Winston Duke, the man behind Black Panther's M'Baku.
WINTON DUKE IS BACK IN THE MCU
When talking to Collider, Winston Duke confirmed that he would be returning for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as his character of M'Baku from the first Black Panther film.
In talking about the upcoming film, Duke expressed that it "was very emotional" to read the script and that everyone involved was "a bit of a family now and [they] grieve together:"
"It was very emotional to read the script. It was emotional to pack to go back to set. But we're all a bit of a family now and we grieve together, and we're making something really special."
WAKANDA FOREVER
There's no doubt that the production of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be a difficult process for most of the cast & crew. But it's important that the world of Wakanda and its people live on. It means so much to so many fans, and it is a necessity in today's world for that light to continue to shine bright.
As for the mantle of Black Panther, details regarding who may wear the suit next are still in the dark. There are many theories ranging from a newly introduced character to Shuri to even a resurrected and redeemed Killmonger.
Fans do know that the film is set to introduce Namor and his fictional kingdom of Atlantis, with Tenoch Huerta set to wield the trident. With the introduction of Atlantis, the film is likely to focus on a conflict between the two nations. Their relationship in the comics isn't all that friendly, and it's safe to assume the same can be said for their place in the MCU.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to release in theaters worldwide on July 8, 2022.
