The death of Black Panther lead actor Chadwick Boseman on August 28, 2020 shook not only the Marvel fan base, but the entire film world. But it also raised many questions about the future of the role of King T'Challa, who was cast by Boseman in four films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While some actors have played their superhero roles for more than a decade, the MCU has also cast roles with new faces. One of the most famous examples is Edwart Norton in the role of the Hulk, who was later replaced by Mark Ruffalo. However, in the event of death, like Chadwick Boseman, the replacement could seem insensitive.
Especially with die-hard fans: Harry Potter fans could still be convinced that the main antagonist of the "Fantastic Beasts" series has conjured up a new look. But such a twist would seem too far-fetched to Marvel fans. The cultural significance of the Black Panther, who first brought a black superhero with African roots to the screen, also makes it difficult to replace Chadwick Boseman.
Producer Nate Moore also ruled out in a podcast that T'Challa would get a different face in the second film of the Black Panther franchise. However, there is the possibility of having the king of the technologically highly developed African nation Wakanda return from a parallel universe in good old comic fashion, some fans say. That could make casting with another actor possible.
In the universe in which the previous MCU films are set, the question of which character will wear the mask of the Black Panther in the future remains open. The sister of T'Challa Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, was considered the safe successor for a long time until Wright caused some problems on the set: After she was injured in a stunt in Boston at the end of August, filming continued as planned without her, have now been paused until the beginning of next year.
The rumor mill is now simmering too, as Wright, as a vaccine opponent, made headlines again and again.
It is speculated that this would hinder the completion of the film, as she would not be able to enter every country without 2G proof.
In addition, new locations would have to be found that can be visited without vaccination.
In addition, Wright is said to have repeatedly made negative comments on the set about the vaccination against the coronavirus.
Scene reporters therefore even predict an expulsion.
The Marvel studios have not yet issued a statement.
The throne will remain empty for now.