Ryan Coogler has opened up about what Black Panther: Wakanda Forever originally intended before Chadwick Boseman’s tragic death changed everything.
In a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, the director shared emotional details about the early 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 Boseman was already too ill to read it.
“I finished it and I looked him up to read it and he was too sick to read, bro,” Coogler said. “It was kind of the timing.”
The original story centered 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 question.
During that time, an attack led by Namor would take place, forcing T’Challa to face danger while protecting his child and honoring the ritual.
“It was insane,” Coogler said, adding that Boseman “had to kill it.”
He described the script as deeply personal and said he poured everything into it after growing creatively with Boseman.
“I felt like I had gotten to know Chadwick as a performer,” he said, noting that he believed he had only begun to explore the depth of what Boseman could do on screen.
After Boseman’s death, the direction was discontinued Black Panther: Wakanda Forever changed completely.
Coogler acknowledged that the film became a story centered on grief, legacy and the strength of the women of Wakanda, something he remains deeply proud of.
Looking ahead, Coogler confirmed that he is evolving Black Panther 3who acknowledges that some fans are questioning the need for another installment.
“I’m in it for my heart,” he said. “It’s my job as a filmmaker to show why.”
The director’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into what might have been, while underscoring the emotional weight behind one of Marvel’s most meaningful franchises.
