Directed by Black Panther‘s Ryan Coogler, the sequel Wakanda Forever is only one of several spinoffs Marvel Studios is working on for Disney+.
Marvel Studios has shown a lot of enthusiasm for streaming prequels and sequels to its major film series as the MCU grows on Disney+.
Kingdom of Wakanda, home to Black Panther, will debut on Disney+ as part of Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media and Disney’s newly signed five-year comprehensive television partnership.
The latest information is that Coogler’s Wakanda project for Disney+ is still in the brainstorming phase. Also, Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, played by Danai Gurira, is said to be the protagonist of an “origin spinoff series” on the service in the near future.
Wakanda Forever’s director, however, will jump right into the job of executive producer for Dominique Thorne’s Ironheart Disney+ series after wrapping off her work on the Black Panther sequel.
Meanwhile, word has surfaced about the upcoming Wakandan spinoffs as the Phase 4 blockbuster nears its theatrical release. Several Black Panther shows are in the works at Marvel Studios for Disney+.
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Variety reports that Marvel Studios and Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media are hard at work on a slew of Black Panther spinoffs for Disney+. The filmmaker of “Wakanda Forever” is also creating “Ironheart,” a TV series set to air in 2023 and a direct sequel to the smash Marvel Cinematic Universe film.
Previous reports said that Marvel Studios is working on two Black Panther spin-offs, one centered on the Kingdom of Wakanda and another tracing the roots of Danai Gurira’s Okoye. Though recent remarks suggest, the initial unknown endeavor is likely still in its infancy.
To the question of whether or not he will direct Black Panther 3 or Avengers: Secret Wars, Coogler replied, “definitely [has] no idea what [he] is doing next.”
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed that they have discussed doing a third Wakanda film, but they have no plans to adapt the Multiversal blockbuster.
The director elaborated on how he is currently preoccupied with fulfilling what he considers to be his ultimate commitment as a filmmaker: the release of Wakanda Forever.
Coogler has remained tight-lipped about his plans for future films, but he has said that he plans to take “some relaxation and family time” soon.
“It’s very difficult because you’re exhausted and emotionally spent, and I’m trying to give it all my full attention. After that, I’ll figure out what’s going on with me. But I think it’s going to be some rest and family time.”
Similarly, Marvel Studios executive Nate Moore promised further “opportunity to go back to Wakanda” in an interview with Variety, suggesting that the spin-offs will be based on the success of the first film.
“This world is expansive, and there are so many great characters. Beyond what happens with this film, there are more opportunities to go back to Wakanda.”
Moore hinted that “some concepts” for Disney+ spin-offs will feature returning characters from the Black Panther franchise, while other ideas “would be wholly new.”
The producer wouldn’t reveal how many spin-offs are currently in the works, but he did say, “there is no shortage of ideas. Let’s put it that way.”
Expanding Black Panther’s World Is Finally In The Works… Eventually
After the success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Marvel Studios has made it clear that they want to see additional stories set in the Kingdom of Wakanda and directed by Ryan Coogler.
As Nate Moore’s comments suggesting “no scarcity of ideas” suggest, it’s possible that more than the two series that have been reported thus far are in the works.
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The Okoye initiative is one such endeavor, and it’s probable that other Dora Milaje may appear with her in it. It’s unclear if and when Marvel Studios will develop other spin-offs, but there’s been some discussion of adding new Wakandan protagonists.
Coogler will most likely continue to center his work on the Wakandan universe, but he should still plan on venturing outside the borders of Africa.
In the same way that he is developing Ironheart as a sequel to Black Panther 2, he may potentially produce a film starring Tenoch Huerta’s Namor.
However, as Coogler has been busy with Black Panther 2 and Ironheart, it may be some time before any of these spin-offs see the light of day. If the director actually takes the next few days off to spend time with his loved ones, we’ll have to wait even longer.
And then there’s Black Panther 3, which seems inevitable given Wakanda Forever’s expected massive movie revenue. However, this may be put on hold while these spinoffs take centre stage. This does not rule out the possibility of a crossover with the big screen.
On Friday, November 11, see “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in theatres.
