Ryan Coogler has opened up about what Black Panther: Wakanda Forever It was originally meant to be before Chadwick Boseman’s tragic death changed everything.
In a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz Happy Sad Confused In the podcast, the director shared emotional details about the first version of the sequel and how deeply it was shaped by Boseman’s presence and talent.
Coogler revealed that he had already completed a full script for Black Panther 2 before Boseman died of colon cancer in August 2020 at the age of 43.
He said he had sent the script to the late actor, but that Boseman was already too ill to read it.
“I finished it and called him to read it, but he was too sick to read, bro,” Coogler said. “That was the moment.”
The original story focused on a powerful and emotional story involving T’Challa and his young son.
Coogler explained that the script included a traditional Wakandan ritual known as the “Ritual of 8,” where a prince must spend eight days alone with his father and is allowed to ask any questions.
During that time, an attack led by Namor would occur, forcing T’Challa to face danger while protecting his son and honoring the ritual.
“It was crazy,” Coogler said, adding that Boseman “was going to kill him.”
He described the script as deeply personal and said he put his all into it, having grown creatively alongside Boseman.
“I felt like I had gotten to know Chadwick as a performer,” he said, noting that he believed he was just beginning to explore the depth of what Boseman could do on screen.
After Boseman’s death, the leadership of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever completely changed.
Coogler acknowledged that the film became a story focused on the pain, legacy and strength of the women of Wakanda, something of which he remains deeply proud.
Looking ahead, Coogler confirmed that it is developing Black Panther 3acknowledging that some fans question the need for another installment.
“I’m in this for my heart,” he said. “My job as a filmmaker is to show why.”
The director’s reflections offer a rare glimpse of what could have been, while also underscoring the emotional weight behind one of Marvel’s most significant franchises.
