Continuing a franchise after its lead has passed on can be a huge undertaking for any studio, but that’s the fate Marvel was dealt for next year’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever following the death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020. Marvel made the decision not to recast T’Challa, which has added a layer of enigma and doubt about the project. And despite starting production on the sequel, things still apparently aren’t all set in stone, according to Angela Bassett. Bassett has revealed that Black Panther 2’s script is still going through changes even after cameras have started to roll.
While production on Black Panther 2 has already started, that doesn’t mean changes aren’t still ongoing. Angela Bassett gave her first account of the production so far during an interview with Entertainment Tonight, and the Oscar nominee talked about filming with continuous script changes and how that is impacting her overall view of the film. Said Bassett,
I don't know what it's going to look like at all. There have been about five incarnations of the script, and I hear another one's coming.
Angela Bassett’s account would make any Black Panther fan nervous. Revising while filming sounds like Marvel and the writers are still unsure about the story in the sequel. But it should be noted that constant script changes are normal in Hollywood. Practically every film – blockbuster, indie, and made-for-television – will go through multiple drafts before and during production. So, this isn’t as outrageous as it may appear. But as a Hollywood pro, Angela Bassett wasn’t worried about this ongoing development.
Continuing, Angela Bassett expressed confidence in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s development. She gave some insight into Chadwick Boseman’s death affecting the production. Regarding the multiple revisions of Black Panther 2, Bassett gave props to the sequel’s writing team, saying,
Of course, with our dear king [Boseman] going on to glory, a lot of things had to be shifted and changed. So, thankfully, [director] Ryan [Coogler] and [writer] Joe Robert Cole, they're just such masterful storytellers that they've found a way into this world and hopefully it will be satisfying, I think, for the fans and it will be honorable of our Chad. We love our king.
Hearing Angela Bassett so reassured about the script’s development should come as some relief for Black Panther fans. Being an acting veteran, the actress has experienced this numerous times. Even before filming started she gave fans hope about the upcoming film despite Chadwick Boseman’s absence. This isn’t the first time the Oscar nominee has reassured moviegoers about the sequel. She revealed the film will honor Boseman’s contributions to the MCU.
Pushing forward with the Black Panther sequel is commendable for the cast and crew. Angela Bassett has served as a reassuring force for Black Panther fans for months. Unfortunately, Marvel fans will have until July 8, 2022 to see Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Until then, you can check out our guide of Marvel’s ever-expanding slate to see what films are arriving in 2021.
