In the issue, Chadwick Boseman reveals that he had his eye on the role of T'Challa years before Marvel ever began the casting process, keeping a journal with preparation notes since 2012. It appears his preparedness will be rewarded as Black Panther is likely to catapult the 40-year-old actor into the next stratosphere, following stellar performances as Jackie Robinson (42), James Brown (Get on Up) and Thurgood Marshall (Marshall).
Boseman also reveals that he initially went to Los Angeles to be a screenwriter and director and only took acting gigs so that he would be able to better relate to his actors on set. It's likely Boseman could soon be going the Chris Evans-route and consider giving up acting to be a full-time director. But that's likely not to occur before he reprises his role as the Black Panther in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers 4 and the inevitable Black Panther sequel.
Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.
Black Panther opened in theaters on February 16 and went on to gross 230M+ over a 4-day holiday weekend. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has stated that director Ryan Coogler is not under contract to return for a sequel but he and the studio definitely want him to return.