Director Ryan Coogler recently revealed what Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was initially meant to be before Chadwick Boseman’s tragic death in August 2020. Speaking on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, Coogler shared that he had completed a full script for the sequel and had sent it to Boseman, but the late actor was too ill to read it due to colon cancer.
The original storyline centered on T’Challa and his young son, featuring a traditional Wakandan ritual called the “Ritual of 8,” where a prince spends eight days alone with his father, allowed to ask any question.
During this period, an attack led by Namor would force T’Challa to confront danger while protecting his child and upholding the ritual. Coogler described the script as “insane” and deeply personal, reflecting his creative growth alongside Boseman.
Coogler explained that he felt he was only beginning to explore the depth of Boseman’s talent, noting that the actor would have excelled in the role. However, following Boseman’s passing, the film’s focus shifted entirely. Wakanda Forever became a story about grief, legacy, and the resilience of Wakandan women, a direction Coogler said he is profoundly proud of.
Looking forward, Coogler confirmed he is developing Black Panther 3, emphasizing that his motivation is heartfelt rather than commercial. He acknowledged that some fans question the need for another installment but insisted his goal as a filmmaker is to demonstrate the story’s importance.
Coogler’s reflections provide a rare insight into what could have been, while highlighting the emotional weight and legacy of one of Marvel’s most meaningful franchises. The director’s account underscores both the creative potential Boseman embodied and the profound impact of his absence on the film’s evolution.
