Ryan Coogler has shared previously undisclosed details about his original vision for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, intended to spotlight Chadwick Boseman’s talents before the actor’s tragic death in 2020. The director’s early plans, which form the core of the Ryan Coogler Black Panther plans, were dramatically reshaped into a tribute after Boseman’s passing reshaped not just the story, but the entire trajectory for Wakanda and its heroes.
Chadwick Boseman’s Unexplored Return to Wakanda
Chadwick Boseman was set to reprise his role as King T’Challa in an ambitious follow-up before his death from colon cancer in 2020. Coogler, who directed the first Black Panther, had prepared a 180-page draft intended to push Boseman’s range further than ever. On the podcast Happy Sad Confused, Coogler described these early ideas as a bold leap for the story and a deep exploration of the lead character.
The core conflict in both original and revised drafts involved Wakanda facing a new threat from Namor and the civilization of Talokan. The emergence of Wakanda’s advanced technology, previously revealed by T’Challa, triggered a global scramble for vibranium, making the nation a prime target for attack. However, in Coogler’s initial vision, the attack coincided with a far more personal journey for T’Challa.
The Unseen Story: T’Challa as Father and King
According to Coogler, the original concept centered around T’Challa’s relationship with Nakia and their son, a child who grew up during the five years T’Challa was absent following the events of Thanos’s snap in the Avengers saga. When T’Challa returned, the script placed him in a pivotal role as both ruler and father.
The duo was to embark on a significant Wakandan rite known as the Ritual of Eight—a challenging tradition requiring father and son to survive together in the wild for over a week. The intended structure allowed for intimate character moments and heavier thematic exploration.
“The prince has to do everything asked of him by his father, but the prince can ask any question of the father and the father has to answer,”
Coogler explained.
“Of course, during those eight days, Namor launches an attack….but because of the ritual, he has his son joined at the hip the whole time.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
Building on Chadwick Boseman’s Strengths
Coogler developed the first draft with a deep understanding of Boseman’s acting abilities, honed through their collaboration on the original film. He likened this process to the way he writes for Michael B. Jordan, another frequent collaborator who has appeared in all of Coogler’s major works.
“I know what he’s capable of, and I know where he can be pushed and what he can handle, you know? So I throw a lot at Mike. I threw a lot at Chad in the first ‘Panther,’ but I realized I was just scratching the surface,”
Coogler said. – Ryan Coogler, Director
The Legacy Continues After Boseman’s Passing
The untimely death of Chadwick Boseman forced the creative team to dramatically reshape Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The script shifted focus to T’Challa’s sister, Shuri—portrayed by Letitia Wright—who rises as the new Black Panther. Shuri’s journey becomes central in the reimagined narrative as Wakanda confronts Namor, played by Tenoch Huerta Mejia, and defends its future amid lingering grief and uncertainty.
Letitia Wright and Tenoch Huerta Mejia are set to return in Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release in December 2026, indicating the enduring influence of Boseman’s legacy and Coogler’s creative vision. The evolution of the Black Panther series continues to impact fans and the broader Marvel world, shaped by the loss and contributions of its original king.
