Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is officially shutting down production until January 2022 to allow star Letitia Wright time to recover from injuries. Wright returns for the Marvel Cinematic Universe sequel alongside Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke and Angela Bassett. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever also introduces Dominique Thorne to the MCU as Riri Williams, better known as Ironheart, and Michaela Coel in an unknown role.
Plot details for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are currently unknown, with returning co-writer/director Ryan Coogler having to make changes to his original plan following the death of Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer. Marvel and Coogler would elect not to recast the role of T'Challa and press on with aa new vision, finally beginning production on the film in late June 2021 with most of the original cast returning. However, filming on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is still facing issues as the year nears a close.
After it was announced that production had halted earlier this month, Deadline confirms that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's filming is officially shut down until January 2022. The report reveals that the production hiatus comes as Wright needs more time to recover from her recent on-set injury, which they've learned were more serious than previously thought as she suffered a fractured shoulder and concussion. Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito and Nate Moore wrote the following note to the film's crew:
"As we wind down for the holidays, we wanted to send a note of thanks and appreciation for the hard work of our entire cast and crew, as well as an update on timing. First and foremost, this project is exceptional and something we know audiences are eager to see. We could not be any more excited to complete this film and share it with the world next year. Thank you for everything you’ve done to get us to this place.
Unfortunately, we’ve not gotten here without a few setbacks. Running a production of this scale in the midst of a pandemic is not an easy task, and you have remained diligent and professional throughout. In addition, as you are all aware, Letitia had a frightening accident on our set during a stunt back in August. It was a reminder of the importance of safety at all times in our work, which we know you understand and are committed to. What we had initially thought were minor injuries turned out to be much more serious with Letitia suffering a critical shoulder fracture, and a concussion with severe side effects. It has been a painful process and Letitia has been home recovering with her doctors and the support of family.
We’ve adjusted our production schedule so she has the time she needs to heal, but there’s only so much we can do without Shuri! We also want to thank Letitia for everything she’s doing to get back to the set – we know how much she loves this role, how tough it’s been for her to be away, and how hard she’s working to recover as quickly as she safely can. We are eagerly awaiting her return and we know we will all come back stronger together.
Please be on the lookout for more information on your specific return-to-work date. As of now, we’re on schedule to resume filming – with Letitia – in January 2022. We are all focused on finishing the movie with excellence, honoring the memory of our dear brother Chadwick in the process. We are thrilled to share Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with the world, confident that the challenges that we have overcome together as a team will make the film even more impactful. Please take care of yourselves and enjoy the holidays."
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's production has been troubled since the loss of Boseman last year and has continued to struggle, especially in regards to Wright. The Emmy-nominated star was temporarily hospitalized two months after filming began with minor injuries, with production continuing to work around her, though reports then surfaced of Wright expressing anti-COVID-19-vaccination views on the set. Though she has shut down these claims on social media, reports have continued to surface that the film could face even further delays past the January resumption date due to her hesitancy to receive the vaccination.
The confirmation that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is shutting down filming until January 2022 to allow Wright to recover does point towards the actress taking on a larger role in the sequel. Since Boseman's passing, theories and speculation have floated amongst audiences that Wright's Shuri could very well be taking over the titular mantle from her brother, with the recent delay and her involvement in so many stunts seemingly pointing to some validity in this line of thinking. Production is currently set to resume on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in January while the film is set for a November 11, 2022 release.
SOURCE : Screenrant
