Appearing to get back on schedule following numerous set difficulties, the highly-anticipatedBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverhas faced another production delay, as star Lupita Nyong’o has tested positive for COVID-19.
Nyong’o’s recent diagnosis comes not too long afterBlack Panther 2co-starLetitia Wright was hospitalizedthis past August due to suffering injuries on the film’s set. What appeared to be minor injuries turned out to be far more serious, as Wright was listed as having a severe shoulder fracture and a concussion with serious side effects. A noted shared Marvel Studios executives Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, and Nate Moore stated that production onBlack Panther 2would resume in January 2022.
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However, it’s now unclear whenBlack Panther 2will ressume production following this latest setback. Nyong’o took to social media to share the news, tweeting, “I too have tested positive for COVID-19.” The actress would also go on to note that she was already fully vaccinated and that she trusts she’ll do well after isolating herself. The actress was also forced to drop out of promoting hernew action filmThe 355, which was just released in theatres this past weekend.
What gets even more interesting though is that reports revealed that Wright is not vaccinated against COVID-19. This could create more production difficulties, especially for the upcoming Atlanta set, as the CDC rules require proof of vaccination for non-citizens entering the U.S. Now with Nyong’o testing positive, more of the film’s stars could catch the virus, but for now, theBlack Panthersequel is still expected to keep its late 2022 release date.
Nyong’o’s and Wright’s characters Nakia and Shuri are both set to play prominent roles in the sequel, especially after thetragic passing of Chadwick Bosemanback in August 2020 (which fans, including Boseman’s own brother, are supporting the idea of recasting the role in order for the character to live on for younger generations). While plot details have been kept under wraps, Feige has also confirmed thatBlack Panther 2will explore more of Wakanda’s rich history and ancestors, with rumors also suggesting the sequel will introduce the Atlantean villain Namor.
Other returning cast members include Danai Gurira as Okoye, Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross, Winston Duke as M’Baku, and Angela Bassett as Ramonda. New additions include Michaela Coel in an undisclosed role andDominique Thorne as Riri Williams / Iron Heart, a genius inventor who creates a suit that rivals Tony Stark’s Iron Man armor. A series for Disney Plus titledIronheartis in development.
Black Panther: Wakanda Foreveris finally set to arrive in theatres on November 11th, 2022.
