During Marvel Studios’ presentation during Disney’s ‘Investor Day 2020’ live stream, Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, paid tribute to the late Black Panther star, Chadwick Boseman. During the tribute, Feige confirmed that the role of T’Challa would not be passed on to another actor.

“I wanted to acknowledge the devastating loss of a dear friend and member of the Marvel Studios family,” said Feige. “Chadwick Boseman was an immensely talented actor and an inspirational individual who affected all of our lives professionally and personally. His portrayal of T’Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past.”  

Feige continued, “To honor the legacy that Chad helped us build through his portrayal of the king of Wakanda, we want to continue to explore the world of Wakanda and all of the rich and varied characters introduced in the first film.” 

The sequel will be written and directed by Ryan Coogler, director of the first Black Panther. Black Panther II is set to begin shooting this summer, and it’s slated to release July 8, 2022. No further details were given about the upcoming sequel’s plot, but with this new confirmation it will likely partially focus on the changing of the Black Panther mantle.