Fans around the world were devastated by the loss ofChadwick Bosemanwhen he passed in August 2020. The actor was known for his roles in42,Get on Up,Marshall, and21 Bridges. However, his most notable part was undoubtedly T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, otherwise known as the Black Panther. He first appeared as the T’Challa inCaptain America: Civil Warin 2016 before receiving his own solo movie,Black Panther, in 2018. The film, regarded as one of the most successful in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was helmed byRyan Coogler, who is currently working on the follow-up.
However, a sequel to the 2018 blockbuster hit wasn’t always a sure thing, at least not with Coogler behind the camera. During an interview withEntertainment Weekly, the actor discussed the massive franchise following Boseman’s death and why he almost stepped away from directing entirely.
“I was at a point when I was like, ‘I’m walking away from this business,” Coogler explains. “I didn’t know if I could make another movie period, [let alone] anotherBlack Panthermovie, because it hurt a lot. I was like, ‘Man, how could I open myself up to feeling like this again?'”
Related:Black Panther 2 Has the Perfect Antagonist in Namor, Ryan Coogler Says
Of course, Coogler would change his mind, returning for the highly anticipated sequel,Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. “I was poring over a lot of our conversations that we had, towards what I realized was the end of his life… I decided that it made more sense to keep going.” His upcoming sequel is facing some pressure, as it’s the final feature film in Phase 4 of the MCU, with the added stress of continuing the franchise without the former star. However, if anyone can make another greatBlack Panthermovie, it’s Ryan Coogler.Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverarrives in theaters on Nov. 11.
Ryan Coogler is Rumored to DirectAvengers: Secret Wars
Avengers: Secret Warsis looking to be the biggest movie in existence. It will culminate everything we’ve seen in the MCU so far, including character arcs that may have begun long beforeAvengers: Endgame. Directing the project would be a monumental task for anyone in Hollywood, andBlack Panther: Wakanda ForeverdirectorRyan Coogler is rumored to be the top prospect.
Related:Before He Releases Black Panther 2, Here’s Every Ryan Coogler Film, Ranked
According toThe Weekly Planet Podcast, the 36-year-old director could be tasked withSecret Warsfollowing his time onWakanda Forever. “And Ryan Coogler, here’s another scoop, Mason, is at the very least one of the directors, is currently in talks forSecret Wars,” host James Clement explains. “Which makes a lot of sense and yeah, the source here says, this is a reliable source, this person says ‘a fairly obvious choice.’ And it is. That makes sense.”
Ryan Coogler will have a quick turnaround from the release ofWakanda Foreverto prep forSecret Wars, as the movie would take years to sufficiently plan.Avengers: The Kang Dynastyhas already found its director, meaning an announcement regarding the sixthAvengersis imminent. Stay tuned for news concerning Coogler, andAvengers: Secret Wars, as we inch closer to the eventual Jul 28, 2025 release.
