Black Panther broke new ground as an Academy Award-winning blockbuster that had a predominantly black cast. Its success is because star Chadwick Boseman and director Ryan Coogler had such a collaborative working relationship on set. The formula for Black Panther has been carried over to its sequel that Coogler helms after the demise of Boseman.
As we await the world premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Coogler addressed rumors about the next project he will be working on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Speaking to Comicbook.com, the Black Panther director was asked by Aaron Perine about his future projects in the MCU.
"Some of the fans want you direct Secret Wars. You open to that if they want you?" Perine asked. Coogler responds, "say what now?" The reporter said "they want you to direct Secret Wars. The fans, the streets, that’s what they want!"
"Man, what streets, bro? What’re you talking about, bro?!," Coogler replies. He adds, "Bro, I ain't heard nothing about that man, I’m trying to finish this one!"
Avengers: Secret Wars will be the second Avengers title in Phase 6 of the MCU. The movie will bring about the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga. The Avengers: The Kang Dynasty already found its director in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' Destin Daniel Cretton.
Marvel typically hands the big-budget crossover films to a director that has already had experience working within the MCU. Joe and Anthony Russo helmed both Avengers: Infinity Wars and Avengers: End Game after the success of their Captain America series of films. Destin Daniel Cretton was also tasked to lead Avengers: The Kang Dynasty after surprising fans with the box-office performance of the Shang-Chi movie.
It would be apt to reward Ryan Coogler with an Avengers project after his success with Black Panther and what is seemingly another blockbuster in Wakanda Forever. Initial reactions to the movie’s premiere have been very positive.
Black Panther 2’s marketing has also been on point. The numerous trailers for the upcoming movie have been well planned to pique the audience's interest, especially with a new character taking on the mantle of Wakanda’s protector. The character’s identity has been a closely guarded secret and its been speculated that there will be multiple heroes taking on the role of Black Panther.
Fans of Black Panther and Ryan Coogler would be ecstatic to have the director helm an Avengers movie project. His pedigree and experience would certainly lead to a spectacular ending to the Multiverse Saga.
As for Coogler’s immediate future in the MCU, the director will be involved in the Ironheart series on Disney+ as executive producer. He has also been tapped to direct a new Wakanda series for Disney+ after signing a five-year deal with Marvel Studios.
When asked about the prospect of a third Black Panther movie, Coogler replies in typical Marvel fashion. "I got no answers for you. I'm trying to finish what I am doing and then think about whats next," Coogler states.
For now, all eyes will be on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as it premieres in less than two weeks. The movie will open in theaters and on Imax on November 11, 2022.
