We recently learned that Daniel Kaluuya will not be back as W'Kabi for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever after all, and the Nope actor has now weighed-in with some interesting comments on the matter.
Earlier this year, a social media post from one of the film's costume designers appeared to confirm that Kaluuya was set to reprise his role along with the rest of the original movie's main cast. While the Get Out star may well have been in line to return as the Wakandan warrior, it came to light back in July that a scheduling conflict prevented him from shooting his scenes for the sequel.
Or did it?
Kaluuya was asked about the recent trailer (“Of course, I’ve seen it! It’s amazing”) and the disappointing news that he won't be back for the sequel during an interview with Variety. “It’s what’s best for the story, what’s best for the film,” he replied. “I’m excited for it. I’m excited to watch it.”
Maybe we're reading too much into his response, but could there be more to this than a scheduling conflict? Either way, Kaluuya doesn't seem too put-out by the situation.
In the first movie, W'Kabi was T'Challa's best friend, but ended up betraying his king - and his wife Okoye - to side with Killmonger. We assume he was imprisoned after the villain was defeated, but the character certainly wasn't beyond redemption, so it's a shame we won't get to see his story continue - at least, not yet!
“You know I can’t tell you!” Kaluuya chuckled when asked if he has any future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “You’re supposed to start with that!”
In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livanalli.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11.