Should they recast T'Challa/Black Panther or make Shuri the new Panther?

[Gladius Nova]

Well it's incredibly likely now that Shuri will take over the mantle as Black Panther and become the new Black Panther franchise lead. We aren't getting another T'Challa. T'Challa will be buried with Chadwick unfortunately. I'm feeling quite confident this will happen now.

Grace Randolph, who has a good track record of late when it comes to industry discussions, says Disney is going to make BP2 onwards into a Shuri franchise, and end T'Challa out of 'respect' to Boseman. The Twitter 'Yas Kween' crowd seems to be loudly demanding it as well.

All signs seem to point to this happening, so I'm hoping they find a classy way to end the T'Challa character. Perhaps something akin to Paul Walker's exit from F+F.

Sucks for all the fans who want to have an inspiring Black male hero, but we got 4 films with him (arguably some of the best of the MCU) and nothing lasts forever.

That is just emotions talking (nothing wrong with that), but the studio has too much time and $$ invested in this "character". I believe they respected Chadwick and what he brought the the role and no one will ever take his place, but I think they are discussing now as we speak different actors that can take up the mantle and move forward with T’Challa. Like I said in an earlier thread, Shuri, or rather that actress that played her isn't ready "professionally" to take on such a HUGE undertaking. Maybe after a trilogy of BP films but not now.

 

[MCU King]

That is just emotions talking (nothing wrong with that), but the studio has too much time and $$ invested in this "character". I believe they respected Chadwick and what he brought the the role and no one will ever take his place, but I think they are discussing now as we speak different actors that can take up the mantle and move forward with T’Challa. Like I said in an earlier thread, Shuri, or rather that actress that played her isn't ready "professionally" to take on such a HUGE undertaking. Maybe after a trilogy of BP films but not now.

See, your perspective on this would be emotions talking honestly, because I agree with what you said. T'Challa should remain. But that would be my personal emotional preference, not the reality of the situation.

Honestly... realistically, it sounds like the vast majority are demanding Shuri be the new lead and Disney/Marvel is going to be awkward place if they deny her that.

Also if Grace Randolph is hearing studio chatter that Shuri will definitely be the new face of the franchise, it's worth taking with some seriousness. She's been right on multiple fronts this year regarding Disney drama and WB scoops. I don't like the woman, but she's got her sources and knows the game.

 

[Gamma Goliath]

I dont trust that anyone outside marvel knows what is happening with this franchise.

 

[Frodo]

See, your perspective on this would be emotions talking honestly, because I agree with what you said. T'Challa should remain. But that would be my personal emotional preference, not the reality of the situation.

Honestly... realistically, it sounds like the vast majority are demanding Shuri be the new lead and Disney/Marvel is going to be awkward place if they deny her that.

Also if Grace Randolph is hearing studio chatter that Shuri will definitely be the new face of the franchise, it's worth taking with some seriousness. She's been right on multiple fronts this year regarding Disney drama and WB scoops. I don't like the woman, but she's got her sources and knows the game.

I don't know if I agree with the idea that the vast majority are demanding Shuri be the new lead. That may be the view of alot of comic fans who know that Suri dons the mantle in the comics, but outside of fandom online, I haven't seen a great push for Suri to take the Black Panther mantle.

If we're talking the vast majority, including the GA , I'd say the vast majority are still mourning Boseman and not really thinking about a recast or Suri taking over at this moment.

All that said, I wouldn't be surprised if the idea of Shuri taking mantle is seriously being discussed or is on the table. I suspect that there are probably several options they are weighing. So I won't dismiss Grace's reporting, though I won't take it as the definitive route they'll end up going at the end of the day.

Alot can happen between now and when a new film starts taking steam, and I doubt they will make any definitive decisions this early when filming likely won't even begin for a couple of years at the earliest anyway.

 

[Chesterfield]

This movie is getting postponed I feel. They were supposed to start filming this month. They have to either get a new actor and/or re-write the script. Plus, no one wants to be on set right now, understandably.

Where did you hear this? Filming is supposed to start in March 2021 and Chadwick was supposed to start his prep/training etc THIS month.

 

[Chesterfield]

There should be no other Black Panther than Tchalla.

Period.

Simply delay and Recast.

Black Panther 2 should not happen till Phase 6 with Recast

Delay for what? The script is practically done and filming isn't due to shoot for another 6 months. There's no need to delay. Recast the role and get on with it. Waiting until phase 6 is an absurd idea to revisit the character and franchise.

 

[Gamma Goliath]

Even if they go the recast route they'd need to delay anyway. They would need time to find the actor and potentially give them time to get into shape. And that's if they have their mind made up on what they want to do. Some form of delay is inevitable.

 

[Chesterfield]

If they didn't want to feature T'challa in the sequel but didn't want to recast or kill him off, then they could set the sequel during that 5 year period where he disappeared and was presumed dead.

They could feature a different person taking up the mantle of Black Panther and even feature a funeral for T'challa as a way of honouring Boseman, but T'challa's death wouldn't be permanent because he'd be brought back by the infinity gauntlet.

Marvel could have their cake and eat it. They could test the waters to see how a new Panther would fare and have a gap to allow audiences to grieve (although by the time a film came out that should've been enough time). But they'd also be able to leave the door open for T'challa to return and to recast the character.

That's just wasting time. I mentioned in my last post that with the script more or less done and filming to start next year, that's plenty of time for people to mourn Chadwick, recast the role and get on with the show. People will be fine to have a widely popular and beloved character recast sooner than later.

 

[Chesterfield]

Even if they go the recast route they'd need to delay anyway. They would need time to find the actor and potentially give them time to get into shape. And that's if they have their mind made up on what they want to do. Some form of delay is inevitable.

This is part of Coogler's genius. He's one of the few directors I completely trust with his casting choices. He'll choose an actor that will completely own the role.

 

[Chesterfield]

I also think the character should be kept alive, still being the superhero he is and also not pass on the role of the king while he's out saving the world.
To find another actor is a must. But it has to be the right one. who can both appear regal and is able to fight.
I started to think about candidates. Several of the best african american actors are already a part of MCU. But not all of them.
Jamie Foxx would be cool, wouldn't it? He has gravitas, and he was so wasted in AMS2.

Marvel could also ask Terrence Howard to return, and offer him the kind of paycheck he wants.
Now that Tony is out, there won't be any weirdness with seeing him next to Iron Man.

A third option is to go with new talent and offer the role to Tenet's John David Washington

My God...lol thank Bast you're not in charge of casting.

 

[Chesterfield]

Sucks for all the fans who want to have an inspiring Black male hero, but we got 4 films with him (arguably some of the best of the MCU) and nothing lasts forever.

This is a very problematic point of view.

It's like saying, "Ok, folks, we've given you an aspirational black male hero, he's had bit parts in 3 films and had 1 movie but it's time to call it a day now." Screw that! Give me T'Challa. Cast someone new in the role, it's that simple. People who can't differentiate between an actor playing a character the film is based on need to be ignored for the most part. Funny thing is, they'll still see the film anyway and Marvel have more than earned the trust of audiences.

 

[MCU King]

While I agree with you ideally, when examining this pragmatically and realistically.... going the Shuri route is the safest way to appease the public and not piss general movie-goers off.

Only a tiny group of comic fans really know the significance and potential of T'Challa from the comics.

General movie goers would support a Woke Black Female taking on the role if the media campaigns for it and backs it up. I can't see Disney shying away from repositioning this as another 'female empowerment' franchise, as there was some groundwork for that in the first film.

It's also the safest way possible to introduce a Black Female-led franchise into the MCU, because the brand is already established. The film is already a guaranteed billion, so they can risk having Letitia Wright be the new face of the franchise.

 

[Airwings]

My God...lol thank Bast you're not in charge of casting.

Have you some others in mind?

 

[Frodo]

While I agree with you ideally, when examining this pragmatically and realistically.... going the Shuri route is the safest way to appease the public and not piss general movie-goers off.

Only a tiny group of comic fans really know the significance and potential of T'Challa from the comics.

General movie goers would support a Woke Black Female taking on the role if the media campaigns for it and backs it up. I can't see Disney shying away from repositioning this as another 'female empowerment' franchise, as there was some groundwork for that in the first film.

It's also the safest way possible to introduce a Black Female-led franchise into the MCU, because the brand is already established. The film is already a guaranteed billion, so they can risk having Letitia Wright be the new face of the franchise.

I'm not so sure that replacing T'Challa with Shuri is a safer route than recasting the role if we're talking about the general audience. The general audience connection was with T'Challa as Black Panther not Shuri.

T'Challa is the icon in the Black community, and that's regardless of the fact that the mantle has been past down to other characters.

Yes, people who saw Black Panther will likely remember her character, but in terms of the person the general audience identifies and accepts as Black Panther, that's T'Challa.

Even though comic book fans accept the idea of other characters inheriting mantles, that's not necessarily the same with the GA as a whole.

The first BP has gone far beyond comic fans who know about Shuri taking the mantle.

The film plays, and has had an impact on so many levels that alot of comic book fans themselves don't understand or fully appreciate.

While it may be a case of just putting another character in the suit to comic fans, that doesn't mean that idea will automatically be met with universal praise and acceptance by the general audience , including segments of the GA who's infinity to T'Challa and BP goes far deeper than what's on the surface.

So I don't think its as easy or safe to just give the mantle to Shuri as alot of comics fans think it is , if we're talking about the General Audience.

I think a recast , assuming its good, is a safer bet because at least you're still dealing with the same character audiences know ,and identify with ,than it is to give the mantle to a supporting character who audiences may remember, but is not the cultural icon who's been an inspiration worldwide.

 

[Black Is King]

Where did you hear this? Filming is supposed to start in March 2021 and Chadwick was supposed to start his prep/training etc THIS month.

We cleared that up a few posts after the one you quoted. Thanks.

 

[Chesterfield]

Have you some others in mind?

Aldis Hodge, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Caleb Castille just to name few.

 

[Delwin]

I do not think Leticia will be able to handle that - I would rather put Lupita in that capacity if anyone from current cast. Thinking aloud: now it seems that killing Killmonger might have been a mistake. I can imagine incredible move with Killmonger coming back as Black Panther - with redeeming path etc.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

I say let Shuri be BP for BP2 then recast T'Challa for BP3.

This gives ample time to recast T'Challa and mourn Boseman.

 

[Gamma Goliath]

I'll throw it out again, what about movie set in the past with a young tchaka? Then come back to tchalla in the third. If they don't just recast right away.

 

[Spider-Fan]

The T'Chaka idea is better than the resurrect Killmonger one others proposed, but still not feeling it.

 

[Gamma Goliath]

Id much rather have a recast. I think tchaka could've been cool to see as an intermission until they make a concrete plan for tchalla if we had to wait for tchalla

 

[RDude22]

I'm not so sure that replacing T'Challa with Shuri is a safer route than recasting the role if we're talking about the general audience. The general audience connection was with T'Challa as Black Panther not Shuri.

T'Challa is the icon in the Black community, and that's regardless of the fact that the mantle has been past down to other characters.

Yes, people who saw Black Panther will likely remember her character, but in terms of the person the general audience identifies and accepts as Black Panther, that's T'Challa.

Even though comic book fans accept the idea of other characters inheriting mantles, that's not necessarily the same with the GA as a whole.

The first BP has gone far beyond comic fans who know about Shuri taking the mantle.

The film plays, and has had an impact on so many levels that alot of comic book fans themselves don't understand or fully appreciate.

While it may be a case of just putting another character in the suit to comic fans, that doesn't mean that idea will automatically be met with universal praise and acceptance by the general audience , including segments of the GA who's infinity to T'Challa and BP goes far deeper than what's on the surface.

So I don't think its as easy or safe to just give the mantle to Shuri as alot of comics fans think it is , if we're talking about the General Audience.

I think a recast , assuming its good, is a safer bet because at least you're still dealing with the same character audiences know ,and identify with ,than it is to give the mantle to a supporting character who audiences may remember, but is not the cultural icon who's been an inspiration worldwide.

I agree with this and although I think a fair argument can be made for either side, it really bothered me how quick the media pushed the "just get rid of T'Challa" agenda.

There was one article from a known Hollywood site that had the title: "black panther fans don't want another T'Challa". I was like huh???? Lol because the comments section was mostly in favor of recasting him!

So I said screw it and created my own lil change.org petition advocating a recast, detailing why it's important to continue the journey of such an impactful character. Not that anyone at marvel will read it but I just didn't like the one-sided noise I saw.

Sign the Petition

Take a look and if you can rock with it, sign and share. I just wanted something out there that reflected a different perspective to the published opinion pieces.

 

[Marvel united]

In a recast scenario



Malachi Kirby (Kunta Kinte from the Roots remake) might be an interesting choice

 

[Venom 1988]

I agree with this and although I think a fair argument can be made for either side, it really bothered me how quick the media pushed the "just get rid of T'Challa" agenda.

There was one article from a known Hollywood site that had the title: "black panther fans don't want another T'Challa". I was like huh???? Lol because the comments section was mostly in favor of recasting him!

So I said screw it and created my own lil change.org petition advocating a recast, detailing why it's important to continue the journey of such an impactful character. Not that anyone at marvel will read it but I just didn't like the one-sided noise I saw.

Sign the Petition

Take a look and if you can rock with it, sign and share. I just wanted something out there that reflected a different perspective to the published opinion pieces.

Petitions in general don't really work, regardless of which side you're on in this Black Panther situation. When it comes time for the studio to make a decision on this, it's gonna come down to what the filmmakers want to do, not what the fans want or don't want.

 

[Frodo]

Petitions tend to be a wash at best when its comes to a studios final decision. Whether it was Re Hiring James Gunn, Marvel and Sony making a new Spiderman deal, etc, you'll tend to find that there are all kinds of behind the scenes dynamics going on independent of fan outcry or demands.

I suppose petitions may have helped in the case of the Snyder cut in that it showed there were a segment of fans who supported the idea of finishing Snyder's Justice League.

Other than that, they tend not to work when they demand " Don't cast Affleck or Pattinson as Batman!" or " Cast Tom Hiddleston as James Bond!".

That said, I'm not against petitions as one tool in voicing opinions. They show that at least a certain segment of fans support something, though the studios keep in mind that fan petitions may not represent all of the fan community , let alone the GA.

Then again, the studios read message boards, watch youtube videos, and go on social media to gauge reaction anyway so its not as if they need a petition to get the lay of the land.