Black Panther: Wakanda Forever may be continuing the legacy of T'Challa through its current cast of characters, but the passing of Chadwick Boseman has still left a massive hole in the production. Letitia Wright's Shuri is currently poised to carry on the title, though controversy and internal conflict may have impacted Marvel Studios' plans in this regard.
Wright has reportedly refused to get vaccinated, which has led to several delays with filming and possibly caused Marvel to adjust the Black Panther sequel's ending. Another spoiler-filled plot point may provide a new avenue for the Black Panther mantle to continue without Wright, potentially paving the way for T'Challa's impact on the MCU to still be felt.
One of the other suggested methods of continuing Black Panther in the MCU was to recast the role of T’Challa, though this option was reportedly never considered internally at Marvel Studios.
Now, a relative of Boseman has spoken on what they think the late actor would have wanted.
Chadwick Boseman Would Want to Recast, According to His Brother
Speaking to TMZ, Chadwick Boseman's brother Derrick Boseman stated that he believes the late actor would want the role of T'Challa to be recast in the Black Panther franchise.
Derrick claimed that Chadwick believed the role of T'Challa was larger than him and was aware of the character's impact and influence on impressionable fans.
Boseman's brother also cited other reasons for recasting the role, such as the fact that T'Challa acts as a positive role model for young Black viewers and their potential, which is taken away from them if the character is not continued in some form. Derrick also mentioned the importance of seeing a Black character in a position of authority, with T'Challa's status as a Black king having a major impact on young African-American fans.
Derrick said that he has seen this firsthand through his nephew, who was inspired by Black Panther to want to become a scientist when he grows older.
Boseman's brother acknowledged that the late actor did not explicitly speak on what he believed should become of T'Challa, but affirmed that Chadwick would have wanted the hero's role in the MCU to continue.
Should Black Panther Recast?
The decision to recast T'Challa is not an easy one, with various implications either way.
On one hand, Chadwick Boseman's impact on the role needs to be respected, as continuing the character without him could come across as flippant towards what the actor brought to T'Challa. In addition, the same respect would need to be extended to the new actor playing the role, as they would undoubtedly be continuously compared to Boseman's portrayal.
On the other hand, it is a shame that T'Challa can't continue in the MCU and inspire more young viewers. Marvel Studios clearly had many plans for Boseman, as a spinoff with his Star-Lord rendition of T'Challa was in the works prior to his passing. Perhaps Marvel Studios could make use of the recently-introduced Multiverse to get around this, allowing T'Challa to continue but not stepping on the toes of what Boseman brought to the main MCU timeline.
However Marvel chooses to continue the Black Panther franchise, hopefully, it will be in full respect and reverence of everything Chadwick Boseman did on and off the screen as T'Challa.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premieres in theaters on November 11, 2022.
