Coogler Reveals Original 'Wakanda Forever' Plan

Director Ryan Coogler recently shared details about his initial, unproduced concept for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," which would have seen Chadwick Boseman return as King T'Challa. The early script involved T'Challa and Nakia raising a son, who would have participated in the "Ritual of Eight," an eight-day survival test in the wild. This challenging tradition would have kept the prince constantly with his father while Namor attacked.

Coogler elaborated that this version would have significantly pushed Boseman's acting abilities further than the first "Black Panther." He likened writing for Boseman to his work with Michael B. Jordan, recognizing Boseman's untapped potential. The original draft was over 180 pages long and explored more of the King's duties alongside fatherhood.

Following Boseman's death in 2020, the film's direction shifted. The script was rewritten to focus on T'Challa's sister, Shuri, stepping into the Black Panther mantle. The new narrative served as a tribute to Boseman, with T'Challa's death depicted onscreen. Both Shuri and Namor are expected to appear in "Avengers: Doomsday" in December 2026.