Ryan Coogler Discloses the Initial Narrative for 'Black Panther 2'

The narrative included a "Ritual of 8" storyline amidst a confrontation with Namor.

Marvel Studios

In a recent episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, director Ryan Coogler provided uncommon details into the initial script for the Black Panther sequel prior to the untimely death of Chadwick Boseman. Coogler stated that the first 180-page draft focused on the relationship between T’Challa and his eight-year-old son, representing a significant deviation from the grief-laden storyline ultimately presented in Wakanda Forever.

The original narrative centred on a fabricated Wakandan custom known as the “Ritual of 8,” which mandated that a prince spend eight days in the wilderness with his father. Throughout this interval, the prince was permitted to pose any inquiry, and the father was obligated to respond. Coogler disclosed that Namor was originally conceived as the principal enemy, initiating an assault during this sacred ceremony. The film's tension stemmed from T'Challa's defence of his realm against an exceedingly perilous enemy while being physically connected to his son to adhere to the ritual's constraints.

Walt Disney Studios

Coogler conveyed profound sorrow about the unproduced script, indicating that he had completed the draft and forwarded it to Boseman, who was regrettably too ill to peruse it. The director addressed previous creative obstacles, disclosing that he had intended to include Kraven the Hunter in the first film, a decision ultimately impeded by Sony's ownership of the character. After the success of Sinners, Coogler has resumed development with Marvel Studios for the third part of the Black Panther trilogy.