Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther, recently unveiled the original vision for Black Panther 2 during an episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, revealing how the story with T’Challa’s son was intended before Chadwick Boseman’s death. The director’s revelations shed light on the creative changes that occurred in the Marvel Universe as a result of the actor’s passing, bringing renewed attention to the Ryan Coogler Black Panther 2 creative journey.
Revealing the Original Script and the ‘Ritual of 8’
In his discussion on the podcast, Ryan Coogler spoke about being well underway in the planning stages for the sequel when news broke that Chadwick Boseman had died in August 2020 from colon cancer. According to Coogler, the initial script was centered around an adventure between T’Challa, portrayed by Boseman, and T’Challa’s young son, an idea at the heart of his early narrative. This story would have introduced fans to the ‘Ritual of 8,’ a significant tradition in Wakandan culture.
“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 bush with his father,”
Coogler said.
“The rule is for those 8 days the prince can ask the father any question and the father must answer. In the course of those 8 days, Namor launches an attack… he had to deal with someone who’s insanely dangerous but because of this ritual, his son had to be joined at his hip the whole time or else they’d violate this ritual that had never been broken. It was insane. Chadwick was going to kill it, but life goes as it goes.”
— Ryan Coogler, Director
This compelling father-son narrative aimed to follow T’Challa and his son through the bush, emphasizing the intense bond and the challenges brought on by an attack from Namor, the movie’s villain. The story added layers to T’Challa’s character, focusing on his relationship with his son during this unique rite of passage.
Boseman’s Health and the Shift in Direction
Coogler revealed that he completed this original script and wanted Boseman to read it, but unfortunately, the actor’s health had declined to the point where he could not review the story. The character-driven approach, which would have showcased T’Challa mentoring his child in the midst of a major crisis, had to be set aside due to these tragic circumstances.
Following Boseman’s death, Marvel Studios decided to rework the direction of the film entirely, leading to the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In this version, Letitia Michelle Wright’s character, Shuri, steps forward as the new Black Panther, and the narrative shifts to honor T’Challa’s legacy.
Namor, portrayed by Tenoch Huerta in Wakanda Forever, was always intended as the primary antagonist in the original story as well. However, without Boseman, the focus turned toward Wakanda’s mourning and the transition of the Black Panther mantle.
Early Concept Barriers and Future Projects
Ryan Coogler also explained that he initially wanted to feature Kraven the Hunter in the first Black Panther film. This idea was ultimately unfeasible because Kraven is owned by Sony, not Disney. Sony later moved forward with its own Kraven the Hunter adaptation, which suffered a lackluster performance at the box office after its release in December 2024.
After helming the successful Sinners last year, Coogler is now working on the third installment in the Black Panther franchise at Marvel Studios. His recent projects and commentary reflect the ongoing influence of Disney and Marvel in blockbuster cinema, along with the creative decisions shaped by past experiences and rights issues with characters.
Industry Implications and Looking Ahead
The unveiling of the original Ryan Coogler Black Panther 2 storyline demonstrates how unforeseen events, such as Boseman’s untimely passing, can shape the course of major film franchises and have far-reaching impacts on both storytelling and production. Coogler’s openness about his creative process and the behind-the-scenes challenges underscores the emotional complexities carried by the cast and crew in continuing the Black Panther legacy. The transition to Shuri, the deep reverence for T’Challa, and future plans for another sequel continue to keep fans and industry observers invested in where the story of Wakanda and its heroes will go next, highlighting the enduring significance of these characters within the Marvel universe.
