DirectorRyan Coogleropened up about the emotional challenges of makingBlack Panther 2withoutChadwick Boseman. Coogler spoke to hostJemele Hillon a recent episode ofJemele Hill IsUnbotheredpodcast (viaYahoo) about how the unexpected passing of Boseman weighs on him, both personally and professionally. Thetragedy of Boseman’s untimely deathat 43 years old after losing a four-year battle against colon cancer deeply affected family, colleagues and fans. It also left the public wondering what the sequel to 2018’sBlack Panther— which turned Boseman into one of the biggest stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — would look like, especially withMarvel’s promise that Boseman’s role will never be recast.
As the months go by, Coogler told Hill he’s still dealing with the loss of Boseman, who was not only a coworker, butalso a friend to the director. Coogler shared that “one thing that I’ve learned in my short or long time on this Earth is that it’s very difficult to have perspective on something while you’re going through it,” and spoke about the prospect of working onBlack Panther 2without Boseman, saying it “is one of the more profound things that I’ve gone through in my life, having to be a part of keeping this project going without this particular person who is like the glue who held it together.”
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Even so, the director wants to honor the work he and Boseman did together, stating that “this one hurts and stings, but it’s also incredibly motivating,” and added, “I’m incredibly sad to lose him but I’m also incredibly motivated that I got to spend time with him.”
Coogler is grateful for his time working with Boseman, but the process is not without pain, since bothBlack PantherandBlack Panther 2are personal projects to the director, and projects that revolve around the figure of T’Challa, the king of Wakanda. To Coogler, it is not always easy to keep personal feelings and professional responsibilities separated.
As Coogler said: “You have a professional life, you’ve got a personal life. Personal life, I’m going to say that when you work in something that you love, those things blend, they come together. I’m trying to find a work-life balance. But I’m not there yet, so this is without a question the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my professional life.”
Black Panther 2is scheduled to premiere July 04, 2025.
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