Ryan Coogler reveals what he originally planned for Black Panther 2

The story would've centered on T’Challa and his son, exploring the Wakandan tradition called the "Ritual of Eight"

Director Ryan Coogler has shared new details about his original vision for Black Panther 2, an idea that was completely reworked after the tragic death of star Chadwick Boseman.

Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Coogler described a story that would have centered on T’Challa and his young son and explored the Wakandan tradition called the “Ritual of Eight.”

Under this rite of passage, an eight‑year‑old prince spends eight days in the wilderness with his father, during which the child can ask any question while his father must answer. During that time, their journey would have been interrupted by an attack led by Namor, adding intense stakes to the personal narrative.

Coogler explained that he had completed a 180‑page script before Boseman’s death from colon cancer in 2020, and he had hoped to share it with the actor but Boseman was too sick to read it at the time. The filmmaker said he “loved” that version of the story, having poured a great deal of creative energy into it and intentionally writing to showcase more of Boseman’s range and depth as a performer.

After Boseman’s passing, Coogler and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige decided not to recast T’Challa, instead rewriting the film entirely. The reimagined story became Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), which focused on themes of grief, legacy, and the rise of new heroes within Wakanda.

Reflecting on the process, Coogler spoke with admiration about the bond he shared with Boseman both on and off screen. He credited their collaboration on the first Black Panther film for deepening his understanding of the character and shaping his creative ambitions for the sequel.

While the original version will never be made, Coogler’s reveal offers fans a poignant glimpse into what might have been and underscores the lasting impact Boseman had on the franchise and its creators.

Looking ahead, Coogler has hinted that the Black Panther series will continue. He has suggested that any future installments will be driven by personal passion and storytelling ambition, rather than simply following expectations, a thread that echoes through both his early plans and the path the franchise has taken since.