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The theatrical side of Marvel Studios’ slate is only just about to kick off with Black Widow, but fans no doubt know the studio has plenty of films in the works. While some have been officially announced, others have only been reported like Captain America 4. The project is apparently being kept tightly under wraps, so much so that prospective star Anthony Mackie doesn’t know much about it. However, he does seem to be in the know when it comes to Black Panther 2, as he recently dropped an interesting update on the movie.
News of Captain America 4 was first reported shortly after the conclusion of Disney+’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which saw Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson become Cap. The star would later reveal that he actually learned of the proposed film while in the grocery store. So it’s no surprise that he’s still not clear on the specifics of the project. But his recent comments on Black Panther 2 may get fans thinking:
I don't know, I don't know. Literally, the show came out, and for the last episode, we had a Zoom party, like, with everybody. And that was it. I haven't heard from anybody since, so I mean, [Marvel Studios] have a million things going on. I know, right now, the prep for Black Panther 2 is driving everybody ragged, so I don't know. I'm interested to see where it's going.
Anthony Mackie’s recent comments to Deadline seem to suggest that Marvel Studios currently has its hands full with Black Panther 2, which is officially titled Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Though given reports, it’s easy to understand why that appears to be the case. Early reports indicated that the Ryan Coogler-directed film would start shooting sometime in the summer, so cameras are probably just about to start rolling. Coincidentally, a new report also seemed to indicate that the movie will be shooting in another location besides Marvel Studios’ usual stomping grounds in Atlanta.
Plot details on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are being kept under wraps, though it is known that the film had to be somewhat reworked. This was, of course, due to the sudden and tragic passing of lead actor Chadwick Boseman, who will not be digitally re-created for the movie. Moving on without the actor hasn’t been easy for the cast and crew, as Ryan Coolger has been candid about feeling the weight of Boseman’s absence.
Nevertheless, Ryan Coogler’s cast seems to have plenty of confidence in the story he’s developed for the sequel. Lupita Nyong’o, while addressing the difficulty of moving on with Chadwick Boseman, shared her belief that the story effectively honors the work of the late actor. Martin Freeman also says the script is “very good” and is excited to get started on the production. You can check out the original Black Panther on Disney+, which you can sign up for using this link.
As filming ramps up, we’re likely to get a few more updates on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in the coming months. Fans are sure to have plenty of questions before we get that first synopsis or trailer but, based on Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios’ track records, fans shouldn’t have to fret about the quality of the film.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in theaters on July 8, 2022.
