Ryan Coogler Will Return To Write & Direct Marvel's Upcoming BLACK PANTHER Sequel
After the billion-dollar success of Black Panther earlier this year, Marvel Studios is bringing back ace director Ryan Coogler to helm the sequel, which is eyeing a late 2019/early 2020 start date.
The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed today that Marvel Studios has quietly closed a deal with Black Panther helmer Ryan Coogler to write and direct the hotly anticipated sequel, which will star Chadwick Boseman (Avengers: Infinity War) as the King of Wakanda.
Coogler is expected to begin penning the script early next year with a projected late 2019 or early 2020 production start date in mind. Marvel was actually looking to resign Coogler immediately following the film's record-breaking opening, but Coogler and his camp didn't want to rush into a decision and wisely chose to take some time before striking a deal, which ultimately was signed under the radar not too long ago.
An official release date has not been announced, but based on the production timeline, it seems probable that the studio may once again be eyeing a February release for the sequel as they've already booked February 12, 2021 for an Untitled Marvel Film. It should be noted though that this date is far from confirmed and is just one of nine potential dates Marvel Studios has reserved between 2020 and 2022, although it does seem to be the most likely candidate if the studio is looking to repeat the blockbuster success of the original.
Coogler is currently in the midst of developing his next directorial venture, Wrong Answer, which will star frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan (Erik Killmonger) in the lead role as a math teacher in Atlanta, who is scandalized when he looks to get funding for his school by altering his students' test scores. Coogler will also be serving as an executive producer on Creed II - a sequel he opted not to direct - and will be a producer on LeBron James' Space Jam sequel.