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Cameras are finally rolling on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and fans are anxiously waiting to find out what’s in store for the advanced African nation in the sequel. Considering Marvel Studios’ tendency to be secretive, information on the film is scarce. We’re only left with plenty of questions as to what writer/director Ryan Coogler is planning. Now, a new filming location for the production has reportedly been revealed, and it only stirs up more questions for me.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever kicked off production in Atlanta back in June but is now looking to shift gears. The movie is reportedly set to film at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this coming weekend. Boston.com learned of these plans after obtaining an email sent out to the MIT community earlier this week. In the email, school officials specifically stated that a production known as “Summer Break” would be filming around campus. “Summer Break” was previously reported to be the working title for Wakanda Forever.
MIT higher-ups explained that filming will take place around the western portion of the campus. One scene is even said to involve a fleet of vehicles driving around the streets of the university. While the school couldn’t get specifics when it comes to plot details, it does seem excited about having a Marvel Studios production filming at the school:
Although we are not at liberty to share details of the plot at this stage, we believe there is real value in MIT being represented in the film. When the film becomes public, we hope you’ll have the opportunity to see for yourselves!
The original film mostly took place in Wakanda, though both the prologue and closing scene took place in Oakland. The city (the hometown of Ryan Coogler) was used to establish the origins of T’Challa’s uncle, N’Jobu, and his son, Erik Killmonger. And by the end of the film, T’Challa established a Wakandan outreach center in the city. You can watch Black Panther by streaming it on Disney+, which you can sign up for using this link.
It’s possible that like Oakland, MIT could serve as the setting of a flashback that provides context for the present-day adventure. Then again, it could just as well feature in a contemporary scene. By the end of the first film, the Wakandans sought to become more connected with the outside world, so maybe Shuri is taking classes (or even giving lectures) at the prestigious school.
Rumors have been swirling around the Black Panther sequel for a while now, and they arguably increased following the untimely passing of franchise star Chadwick Boseman. Some reports have indicated that Shuri will play a larger role in the film, and a particularly wild rumor claims the movie will introduce Namor and Atlantis to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Regardless of what the reports say, it seems the cast is more than confident in Ryan Coogler’s vision. Lupita Nyong’o believes the story honors Chadwick Boseman, and Martin Freeman also seems to be impressed by the plot. Moving forward without the lead won’t be easy, but Coogler and co. certainly have the tools to create an exciting and moving tale.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in theaters on July 8. 2022.
