Chadwick Boseman’s lead role in the sequel to the superhero film Black Panther will not be recast after the actor’s death, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige said Thursday.
Feige said during a presentation to Disney to investors that Boseman’s performance as the proud black leader of this literary land of Wakanda was renowned, that he would not be replaced.
Boseman died in August of colon cancer at the age of 43 after a four-year battle with the disease he had kept confidential.
Feige said the sequel could honor Boseman’s legacy by continuing to “research the entire world of Wakanda and each of the rich and diverse characters featured in the first film.” He didn’t give details, but said the film is expected to hit theaters in July 2022.
Black Panther executive producer Victoria Alonso last month denied speculation the filmmakers were planning to use a digital double for the sequel’s Boseman.
Alonso reportedly told Argentinian newspaper Clarin in an interview in November that the filmmakers were taking the time to choose how to continue the narrative.
Boseman’s latest photo, the drama Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, will be released by Netflix on December 18.
