Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now being screened early to fans, and judging by the overwhelmingly positive response it’s going to be a gigantic film this weekend. One of the things it does very well, besides honor the late Chadwick Boseman, is set up the future of Wakanda, whether that be in a sequel or a spinoff. Or multiple sequels and spinoffs? And if those happen, what does it mean for director Ryan Coogler? Where’s he headed next?
Speaking with Variety, Coogler revealed that he has absolutely no plan following Wakanda Forever…
“I can tell you definitively I have no idea what I’m doing next,” Coogler said. “It’s very difficult because you’re exhausted and emotionally spent, and I’m trying to give [‘Wakanda Forever’] my full attention. After that, I’ll figure out what’s going on with me. But I think it’s going to be some rest and family time.”
However, one thing Coogler knows is that he won’t be directing Avengers: Secret Wars, despite rumors to the contrary…
“That’s crazy”, Coogler said when asked.
One thing is for sure, and it’s that the Black Panther franchise isn’t going anywhere. Marvel chief Kevin Feige confirmed as much, while saying that moving forward without Coogler “wouldn’t be the preference.”
“I go back to what I said when we decided to make ‘Wakanda Forever’ after losing Chad,” Feige said. “This mythology and this ensemble and these characters deserve to continue and will continue after all of us are gone, I hope, and will continue forever in movies the way it has in comics for 50-plus years.”
And part of that mythology is a Black Panther series set in Wakanda. Early details suggested it would center on the battle-hardened Dora Milaje, specifically Danai Gurira’s Okoye who goes through some serious changes in Wakanda Forever. But producer Nate Moore believes there’s room for more than one spinoff…
“This world is expansive, and there are so many great characters,” Moore teased. “Beyond what happens with this film, there are more opportunities to go back to Wakanda.”
Moore added that there are ideas for shows with established characters but also those that are “completely new.”
Maybe that M’Baku series on Disney+ that I’ve been beggin for will actually happen?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens November 11th.