Overview
- The unfilmed draft structured the story around an eight-day rite in which T’Challa remains at his son’s side as Namor launches an attack, with a different interpretation of the antagonist than in the released sequel.
- Coogler finished the script and contacted Boseman to read it, but the actor was unable due to his illness before his death in 2020.
- Marvel and Coogler reworked the sequel into 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which emphasized grief and Shuri’s arc and grossed over $859 million worldwide.
- Coogler said he loves both versions conceptually, noting the original would have pushed Boseman further while the final film became a story led by Wakanda’s women.
- Black Panther 3 is in active development as Coogler’s next feature, with trade coverage pointing to a post–Secret Wars release window and reporting unconfirmed talk of Denzel Washington joining the cast.