Lupita Nyong'o Reveals 'Black Panther 2' Will Honor Chadwick Boseman's Memory

This April, Disney announced the release date of the highly anticipated sequel to Marvel's superhero film, "Black Panther." As fans wait for the film to hit the silver screen, the story will take place with a new "Black Panther" following the passing of actor Chadwick Boseman.

Lupita Nyong'o, Boseman's co-star, spoke to Yahoo Entertainment, expressing her challenges in coming to terms with her grief. The film is set to begin production, and many of the film's original cast will continue with the franchise, including director Ryan Coogler.

Nyong'o also revealed that Coogler's "Black Panther 2" script would honor Boseman's memory and acknowledge his absence. Boseman's death came after his four-year-long battle with colon cancer. The actor passed away at the age of 43.

Lupita Nyong'o On The Loss of Chadwick Boseman

Nyong'o spoke to Yahoo Entertainment during the promotion of her new YouTube animated series, "Super Sema." The actress was frank about her grief, expressing that excitement is not the state of mind she is approaching the sequel with. Nyong'o says,

"People will ask me, 'Are you excited to go back?' Excitement isn't the word. I feel like I'm in a very pensive and meditative state when it comes to 'Black Panther 2.'"

The actress went on to explain that Boseman's death was still very raw for her. The admission is not the first time the actress has expressed her heartbreak about Boseman's passing. Moreover, Nyong'o isn't the only person speaking on the late actors' legacy.

Lupita Nyongo on Returning To Black Panther 2 Without Chadwick Boseman

Nyong'o joins the list of Boseman's co-stars, who have openly spoken on the impact of the actor's death on them. The star told Yahoo that Coogler shares their loss significantly. Therefore, he has respectfully reshaped the film to honor the loss they are experiencing.

During a virtual interview on the Ellen DeGeneres show, Nyongo told the talk show host that she was confident that Boseman wanted the film to continue. However, despite the sad affair, Nyong'o added that she feels good about rejoining the cast and honoring the legacy of Boseman.

Ryan Coogler On The Passing Of Chadwick Boseman

In March, Coogler opened up on the Jemele Hill Is Unbothered podcast to express that he was still very much going through the grief caused by the actor's passing. Even while working on the second script, Coogler told the podcast,

"I'm not there yet, so this is without a question the hardest thing I've had to do in my professional life."

Disney's news about the release of the film, written and directed by Coogler, will not include a recast of the character of King T'Challa played by the late actor. In December, they announced that the title of 'Black Panther' goes to the one deemed worthy within the story world. Therefore, any one of the existing characters may end up becoming the "Black Panther."

Chadwick Boseman Honored Posthumously

Boseman secured nominations and won several posthumous awards, which his wife Taylor Simone Ledward accepted on his behalf. These including a Critics Choice Award, Golden Globe, Gotham Award, NAACP Image Award, and SAG Award.

Black Panther Release Date

Ledward received the awards, giving heartfelt speeches, which included anecdotes, stories all with and gratitude on behalf of her late husband. Black Panther 2 is slated for release on July 8, 2022.