According to a recent rumor, Marvel Studios is considering recasting the role of T’Challa for future ‘Black Panther’ films, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions among fans.
Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed T’Challa in the MCU, passed away in 2020 due to colon cancer. Boseman had only starred in one solo ‘Black Panther’ movie and was preparing to reprise his role in a sequel at the time of his death.
Journalist Jeff Sneider recently reported that Marvel is exploring the idea of bringing a new version of T’Challa into the MCU through the multiverse. Boseman’s portrayal would remain untouched, while a different actor would portray a multiversal iteration of the character.
‘Black Panther 3’ is reportedly in development, with Ryan Coogler returning to the project. However, details remain scarce, and it is unclear how this new T’Challa might fit into the story.
Sneider claims that Marvel offered the role to an unnamed actor last fall, but the actor declined.
‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman was often referred to as ‘the next Denzel Washington,’ and interestingly, Washington himself hinted that he might play an important role in the next movie. He commented, “For me, it’s about the filmmaker, especially at this point in my career.” He added, “I’m only interested in working with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make; probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done… Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’”
Washington didn’t give other details, so his character remains unknown.
Marvel canceled its original plans for the sequel after Boseman’s passing. Instead, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ addressed T’Challa’s death in-universe, with the character passing away off-screen. The movie’s ending also revealed that T’Challa had a son named after his father.