Black Panther
The world of Wakanda has undoubtedly entered the collective imagination thanks to the Marvel Studios Black Panther film, the first standalone adventure of the warrior T'Challa, played by the late Chadwick Boseman, an actor who died prematurely last year following a long illness. >We already know that in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the sequel directed by Ryan Coogler and due out in theaters in the course of 2022, we will not see the Wakandian hero played by Boseman again, nor thanks to a recasting of the character or in a possible version in CGI. Much more likely, in fact, that someone could take on the role of the new Black Panther, destined to inherit the mantle, although at the moment the official information about it is very scarce.
Now, however, The Hollywood Reporter (here the original news) seems to have suggested that Danai Gurira will take on the role of Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe not only in the second chapter of the series, as the brave leader of the warriors known as Dora Milaje will also be at the center of the announced spin-off series of Black Panther for Disney +. The series could be called Black Panther: Kingdom of Wakanda, so much so that in the original article it is revealed that the actress's lawyer, Jamie Mandelbaum, has handled the negotiations regarding the project, most likely a prequel on the origins of Okoye. At the moment, however, neither Marvel Studios nor Disney have officially confirmed the news.
Already in the series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier we were able to witness the return of Florence Kasumba in the role of Ayo, another Wakandian belonging to the Dora Milaje, so it is not too surprising that Marvel's willingness to expand even more themes related to King T'Challa's brave warriors. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be produced by Ryan and Zinzi Coogler's Proximity Media, together with Sev Ohanian, Archie Davis, Ludwig Göransson and, finally, Peter Nicks. Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige explained that the sequel will continue to explore the universe of T’Challa and the Wakandans, many of them seen in the first chapter released in theaters in 2018.
‘Black Panther’ Star Danai Gurira Will Reportedly Star In An ‘Origin Spinoff Series’ For Disney+
As Marvel continues to expand its presence on Disney+, a new casting report continues to highlight just how committed the MCU is to keeping its film and TV series intertwined. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Black Panther star Danai Gurira will reprise her role as Okoye, the head of Wakanda’s fierce Dora Milaje, in an “origin spinoff series” on top of her previously announced role in the film’s sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Here’s where the confusion kicks in. The announcement was tucked inside a THR profile on the top Hollywood power lawyers and was only a small line in the blurb for attorney Jamie Mandelbaum, who helped brokered the deal for Gurira to star in the series. Outside of that, there’s no other information, and the ever secretive Marvel has not responded to comment. Given the aggressive push for content on Disney+, there’s a possibility that Gurira is simply headlining the previously announced Wakanda-centered series, or maybe she’s getting her own series that’s completely focused on Okoye.
However, what the casting news does signify is that Marvel is still fully invested in the world of Wakanda despite the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the sequel to the breakout first film and global phenomenon, is still moving ahead, and the original cast have spoken candidly about how dedicated they are to making sure the film honors Boseman’s legacy.
“It feels spiritually and emotionally correct to do this,” Lupita Nyong’o recently told Yahoo. “And hopefully, what I do look forward to, is getting back together and honoring what he started with us and holding his light through it. ”
(Via The Hollywood Reporter)