Chadwick Boseman’s Character Will Not Be Recast in ‘Black Panther 2’

The role of King T’Challa will not be played by another actor in the upcoming film Black Panther 2 in order to honor the legacy of actor Chadwick Boseman, who played the Wakandan king in the first film before his death at 43 in August after a private battle with colon cancer.

Disney announced during the Marvel Studios presentation on Disney Investor Day on Thursday that there would be no recasting the role, saying instead, the sequel would “explore the world of Wakanda,” the fictional country in which the first film was based and over which T’Challa ruled. Marvel also said Black Panther 2 will premiere on July 8, 2022 and will be written and directed by Ryan Coogler, who also directed the first film.

Marvel boss Kevin Feige acknowledged the “devastating loss” of Boseman during Thursday’s presentation as well. “Chadwick Boseman was an immensely talented actor and an inspirational individual who affected all of our lives professionally and personally,” Feige said. “His portrayal of T’Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past.” He continued, “To honor the legacy that Chad helped us build through his portrayal of the king of Wakanda, we want to continue to explore the world of Wakanda and all of the rich and varied characters introduced in the first film.”

Black Panther 2 executive producer Victoria Alonso also confirmed to Argentinian newspaper Clarín last month that Boseman would not be digitally recreated with CGI technology for the movie, which would address T’Challa’s death in some way.

“No. There’s only one Chadwick, and he’s no longer with us,” Alonso said at the time. “Sadly, our king has died in real life, not only in fiction, and we’re taking a little time to see how we continue the story and how to honor this chapter of what has unexpectedly happened to us, so painful and terrible to be honest. Chadwick wasn’t only a wonderful human being, every day of the 5 years we spent together, but also, I believe, that what he did as a character elevated us as a company, and has left his moment on history.”