Black Panther is one of the MCU fans’ most favourite movies. Starring Chadwick Boseman in the titular role of T’Challa, the film released in 2018 and told us the rich history and story of Wakanda. Unfortunately, Boseman passed away last year on August 28, 2020. Since then, there has been a lot of discussion about who will play the superhero.
A few weeks after Boseman passed away, there were speculations that Marvel will CGI his face in Black Panther 2. However, Marvel Studios’ president Kevin Feige was quick to dismiss the reports and said, “We’re not going to have a CG Chadwick and we’re not recasting T’Challa.”
Last year, a lot of fans had also requested MCU not to recast T’Challa. Thousands of fans worldwide came together and appealed to respect Chadwick Boseman and not cast any new actor in Black Panther 2. However, it seems that some fans want the studio to recast the King of Wakanda.
A fan named E-Man’s Movie Reviews started a petition on Change.org called – Recast T’Challa To Honor Chadwick Boseman In the Black Panther Franchise. In his petition, the fan writes, “In August of 2020, the world mourned the death of Chadwick Boseman. To many, he was known for his on-screen role of Black Panther in the Marvel Universe. While his character of T’Challa was adored by fans, there have been rumors that Marvel will kill off his character in the new movie and for good.
This is a call for the President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, Co-President Louis D’Esposito, and Writer/Director Ryan Coogler to reconsider their decision, and recast the role of “T’Challa” in the Black Panther franchise. If Marvel Studios removes T’Challa, it would be at the expense of the audiences (especially Black boys and men) who saw themselves in him. That also includes the millions of fans who were inspired by the character as well.
By not recasting, it could stifle the opportunity for one of the most popular, leading Black superheroes to add on to their legacy. The #1 way to kill a legend, is to stop telling their story.”
So far, more than 2200 fans have signed the petition. Click here to see more about the petition.
Only time will tell if Marvel Studios will recast T’Challa or not. However, the chances seem to be low considering how much everyone in the MCU loved and respected Chadwick Boseman.
A few days ago, Black Panther 2 director Ryan Coogler opened up about going ahead with the sequel without Boseman. The director had told THR, “I didn’t know what was going on. “I knew what he wanted me to know. I miss him in every way that you could miss somebody, as a friend, as a collaborator. And it sucks because I love watching movies, and I don’t get to watch the next thing he would have made. So it’s grief on a lot of levels, but then, it’s a deep sense of gratitude because I can close my eyes and hear his voice.”
What do you think about the petition? Do you think MCU should recast T’Challa in Black Panther 2? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
For more such news on entertainment, click here.