Director Ryan Coogler has discussed the challenges and deep emotions surrounding the making of the Ryan Coogler Black Panther sequel after Chadwick Boseman’s passing, revealing personal moments and the impact of Boseman’s absence. The acclaimed filmmaker’s reflections offer insight into how both the cast and creators coped with creating Black Panther: Wakanda Forever following the lead actor’s death in 2020.
Behind the Scenes: Writing the Sequel Without Boseman
After the major success of the first Black Panther film, which grossed $1.35 billion globally, a follow-up was swiftly in the works. Ryan Coogler completed a script for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and reached out to Chadwick Boseman so he could review it. Sadly, Boseman was already gravely ill from colon cancer at that point and was unable to read the script.
According to Coogler, he contacted Boseman upon finishing the new script, wanting the late star’s feedback before moving forward. The director revealed in an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that Boseman was in such a condition that reading was not possible for him at the time.
“Honestly, what happened was, I finished it and I hit him up to read it. He was too sick to read. He was at a place where it wasn’t going to happen. He meant a lot to me.
I found out after his passing, from his family and from his friends, how much I meant to him, which fucked me up pretty good. And I wondered if he knew just how he meant to me. He protected me from a lot.
On the toughest days on Panther, I was convinced that I was going to get fired, and I would say it all the time. If the actors [were] taking their time to get out of makeup, I was like, you gotta hurry up or they’re gonna fire me.
And one day, he took me to the side and he was like yo stop saying that. I was like no I really feel that way. And he was like, look at me, bro, I would never let that happen to you. I would not that happen to you. And him saying that was like, well, that’s cool, but we gotta go get to work.
To know that one of the strongest people was having his strength taken by this disease, it damaged me, probably irreparably, to be honest.”
— Ryan Coogler, Director
This period marked a particularly difficult time for Coogler, who reflected on the mutual importance that he and Boseman held in each other’s lives. Coogler’s revelation about their bond highlights the emotional undertones that pervaded the set as the project moved forward without its original star.
Boseman’s Legacy and Support on Set
Chadwick Boseman was not only a central figure in the first film as T’Challa, but also played a critical role in supporting and protecting the creative team. Coogler shared a specific memory from production, recalling moments on set when he doubted his own position as director. There were times when he feared losing his job due to delays or nerves, and Boseman provided important reassurance.
When Coogler voiced his concerns, Boseman pulled him aside and made a promise, reinforcing his support and commitment. This exchange resonated with Coogler deeply, reinforcing their bond in the midst of pressure and stress on set. Boseman’s encouragement carried a heavy weight, particularly as Coogler later learned the full extent of what Boseman had been dealing with during production.
Boseman’s struggle with illness and his unwavering strength left a lasting impression on those he worked with, particularly Coogler. The director acknowledged that realizing how the disease affected such a strong person as Boseman marked him permanently, making the completion of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever an emotionally charged journey.
After Boseman’s Passing: Reimagining Wakanda Forever
Following the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman at age 43 in 2020, Marvel Studios and Ryan Coogler had to make substantial changes to the original plan for the sequel. The creative team made the decision not to recast the role of T’Challa. Instead, Letitia Wright’s character, Shuri, stepped up to take on the mantle left behind by her on-screen brother. The sense of Boseman’s presence remained strong throughout filming and in theaters, both among the cast and the audience.
This change not only reshaped the narrative direction but also allowed for a tribute to Boseman’s legacy as both T’Challa and as a leading figure within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Angela Bassett, who played T’Challa’s mother Ramonda, earned significant recognition for her performance, winning the Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award.
Critical and Box Office Performance
Despite the weight of loss, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever succeeded at the box office, earning $859.2 million on a budget of over $200 million. The film resonated with critics as well, maintaining Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes with an 84% rating. For many fans, the movie served not just as a superhero adventure, but as a heartfelt tribute to the impact of Chadwick Boseman in the role of Black Panther and in Hollywood at large.
Boseman’s lasting contributions are further highlighted by his final film roles, including appearances in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, 21 Bridges, and Da 5 Bloods. His posthumous projects, such as Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Marvel’s What If…?, extended the reach of his talent and presence even after his death.
The Cast and Continuing Legacy
The Wakanda Forever cast, anchored by Letitia Wright as Shuri and Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor, carried the story forward after Boseman’s passing. The transition of the Black Panther identity explored themes of grief, resilience, and legacy, engaging Marvel fans with both new and enduring characters. Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Ramonda added further depth, and the performances of the ensemble supported the sequel’s emotional core.
Ryan Coogler’s Career Post-Wakanda Forever
Since directing Wakanda Forever, Ryan Coogler completed only one additional feature film, Sinners, which was recognized as a standout hit in 2025. Sinners achieved $368 million in box office revenue and was praised by critics, boasting an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%.
Fans can expect Coogler’s return to Marvel, as he is set to helm Black Panther 3. While no official release date has been announced, it is anticipated that the next installment in the franchise will debut in 2028. Notably, Denzel Washington will play a significant role in the new film, further elevating expectations for what comes next in the Black Panther saga.
Impact and Looking Ahead
Ryan Coogler’s candid reflections underscore the difficulty of carrying on with the Ryan Coogler Black Panther sequel in the absence of Chadwick Boseman, whose influence shaped both the films and those around him. The story of their collaboration, mutual respect, and the challenges faced in the wake of loss continue to inspire both fans and filmmakers. As Marvel Studios and Coogler prepare to build upon Boseman’s legacy with new stories and a fresh cast, the emotional foundation laid by Wakanda Forever ensures that T’Challa’s spirit and Boseman’s influence will not be forgotten as the world looks forward to the next chapter in this acclaimed saga.
