Ryan Coogler, director of the acclaimed film Black Panther, has shared details about his original vision for the sequel, just before the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman, the lead actor who portrayed the iconic role of T’Challa.
Boseman passed away at the age of 43 in August 2020 after battling colon cancer for years. The loss of Boseman not only left a void in the hearts of his fans, but also posed a significant challenge for Coogler and the production team in continuing the legacy of the film.
In a recent interview, Coogler revealed that he had completed the script for “Black Panther 2” and was hoping that Boseman would read it before his death. However, unfortunately, the actor was too ill to do so.
Ryan Coogler says his original script for ‘BLACK PANTHER 2’ included Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther on a ritual journey with his child
“It was a thing called the Ritual of 8 where a prince is 8 years old, he must spend 8 days in the bush with his father… the rule is for those… pic.twitter.com/81JD5IWfX0
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 29, 2025
A script that never got read
“I finished the script and contacted him to read it, but he was too sick, brother. That’s how the timing worked out,” Coogler said, reflecting on the difficult situation they both faced during those days.
Boseman’s premature departure had a profound impact not only on the production team but also on the entire film community and movie fans.
Ryan Coogler details his original "Black Panther 2" script before Chadwick Boseman's death: "It was a 180-page draft" but "he was too sick [to read it]."
“The big thing with the script was a thing called the Ritual of 8 where a prince is 8 years old, he must spend 8 days in the… pic.twitter.com/Ph5C9RMBvJ
— Variety (@Variety) December 29, 2025
Chadwick not only embodied a superhero, but he also became a symbol of pride and dignity for many people around the world. This has led Coogler and Marvel Studios to reevaluate the way forward to honor his legacy in the new installment.
The director has indicated that the sequel to Black Panther will explore the world of Wakanda in ways that have never been seen before, seeking to pay tribute to both the history and the character that Boseman helped to define. Anticipation for the project remains high, as fans look forward to seeing how the legacy of one of the most beloved actors of his generation will be addressed.