What will Black Panther II be without star Chadwick Boseman? That question has been hanging over the Marvel sequel since the actor’s unfortunate death. The wise decision was made not to recast the T’Challa role with another actor, which leaves only a few options with how to write him off.

The burden of deciding on that belongs with director Ryan Coogler, and he talked with Jemele Hill about the challenges of moving forward without Boseman. Like many within the Marvel family, Coogler is struggling with the grief of losing someone who was more than just an actor, but a friend…

“You know, I’m currently going through it. One thing that I’ve learned in my short or long time on this Earth, however, you want to look at it, it’s difficult to have perspective on something while you’re going through it. This is one of the more profound things that I’ve ever gone through in my life, having to be a part of keeping this project going without this particular person. Who was like the glue that held it together.”

“That said, you have a personal life, you have a professional life, you got a private life. When you work in something that you love, those things blend, they come together right?Your life kind of becomes your work for the better part of it. So, I’m trying to find a work-life balance, so I’m working on building two things that can stand on their own. I’m not there yet. But, this is without question, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my professional life.”

There are some tough decisions that need to be made and the direction Coogler takes will go a long way in how audiences feel about the film.