There is little doubt that people are still mourning the passing of Chadwick Boseman. However, one person seems to be struggling with the loss a little more than fans. Ryan Coogler has just admitted that working on Black Panther 2 without Boseman "is the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my professional life."
Coogler was recently a guest on the Jemele Hill Is Unbotheredpodcast where he discussed the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe sequel. Not surprisingly, the filmmaker shared how the loss of Boseman had truly affected him and the way Black Panther 2 is being developed.
"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," Coogler said.
The Fruitvale Station director continued by stating how Black Panther 2 is more difficult to work on because it is a project he truly loves.
"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," Coogler said.
Boseman was set to return as T'Challa in Black Panther 2 before his untimely death on August 28, 2020. The actor's passing led to speculations that the character will be recast for the sequel. The possibility didn't rest well with fans, who believed that hiring a new actor for the role would tarnish Boseman's memory.
Interestingly, Marvel Studios found a way to continue with Black Panther 2 without having to recast T'Challa. The studio announced that the second film will now focus on the culture and technology of Wakanda. This way, Boseman will still be the only actor to play the King of Wakanda and the sequel would push through and honor his legacy.
Black Panther 2 is expected to begin production in July. It is scheduled for release on July 8, 2022. In addition to that, an untitled spin-off series is being developed for Disney+.
Related: Black Panther Star Chadwick Boseman Wins Posthumous Golden Globe
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