Los Angeles (AFP)

A "Black Panther" spinoff television series set in the imaginary African kingdom of Wakanda is in development, under a five-year contract signed with the director of the blockbuster film, Ryan Coogler, Disney announced Monday. .

'Black Panther', starring the late Chadwick Boseman, won over critics and audiences in 2018, grossing over $ 1 billion and becoming the first superhero feature film to compete at the Oscars in the category of "best film".

The film written and directed by Ryan Coogler - which is preparing a sequel announced for next year - is also considered a major milestone for the representation of black actors and film professionals in Hollywood.

"Ryan Coogler is a unique storyteller, whose vision and audience have made one of the most prominent filmmakers of his generation," said Bob Iger, executive chairman of Disney, the world's number one entertainment company in a statement. film rights for the Marvel Universe.

"With + Black Panther +, Ryan has spawned a groundbreaking story and legendary characters (...) We're thrilled to be able to strengthen our relationship and look forward to telling more great stories with Ryan and his team." , he continues.

Ryan Coogler's company, Proximity, will develop a "wide range" of projects for Disney +, the group's video-on-demand platform, and other subsidiaries.

"We are already involved in certain projects that we are eager to share", adds the filmmaker.

The series set in Wakanda, whose title is not yet known, is just one of the many creations announced by Disney to extend the success of its Marvel universe on the screen.

Last December, during a presentation intended for investors, the group announced that a dozen Marvel series would land on Disney + "in the next few years".

Among them are "Secret Invasion" with Samuel L. Jackson in his role of Nick Fury, "Ironheart" with actress Dominique Thorne as a young emulator of Iron Man, and another actor in armor, Don Cheadle and his role of War Machine, for "Armor Wars".

The first of these series continuing the Marvel universe after the Avengers saga, "WandaVision" is currently airing on Disney +.

Chadwick Boseman, who died this summer of colon cancer, will not be replaced by another actor for the sequel to "Black Panther" due out in 2022. "His portrayal of T'Challa the Black Panther is emblematic (.. .) That's why we're not reassigning the role, ”Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige explained.

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