Chadwick Boseman tragically passed away following a battle with cancer in 2020, leaving his legions of fans in mourning and the future of the Black Panther franchise uncertain. Somewhat controversially, Marvel Studios decided to move forward with a sequel without their leading man, and Wakanda Forever's story was retooled to focus on the nation coming to terms with T'Challa's death.
Going ahead with the production without Boseman can't have been an easy decision, but Kevin Feige and director Ryan Coogler have assured fans that the film will serve as a fitting tribute to the fallen actor, and a powerful first trailer helped to convince a lot of doubters that Boseman's - and King T'Challa's - legacy is in safe hands.
While speaking to Empire Magazine (via MCU Direct) for their latest issue, Coogler revealed that he and the entire cast paid a visit to Boseman's final resting place to pay their respects before filming commenced.
"By remembering and saying the name of the people we've lost, we continue to add power to their name," said Riri Williams actress Dominique Thorne. "And that's exactly what we did that day by telling and hearing stories about him. I can't imagine having started this journey any other way."
"It was essential to have that moment to physically go and pay our respects, and to be with members of his family gave me an emotional allowance to step back into that world in a way that I couldn't have known I needed until I was there," added Lupita Nyong'o.
While there are those who would rather have seen T'Challa recast, it probably would have been even more difficult for all involved to make this film with another actor in the role, and Wakanda Forever is shaping up to be a cathartic experience, not only for Boseman's family and friends, but for those of us who'll be sitting in the theater come November.
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.