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

[Spider-Fan]

Okay, but the choice was already made in the first movie, and the choice made was that Black Panther is part of being king of Wakanda, which is passed from person to person according to rules that they've laid out. Other Black Panthers isn't some vague background detail, either, it's fundamental to that movie's narrative/themes. I generally favor superhero personas being tied to the individual, but it is what it is.

See, being King of Wakanda and Black Panther I don't think are exactly hand in hand. I got the impression in Civil War that T'Chaka was Black Panther, but passed it to T'Challa at some point. Likely cause of physical decline, and then T'Challa was Black Panther while T'Chaka was still king. Note, T'Challa is Black Panther prior to the events of the movie, which is about him becoming King of Wakanda. So he had to be Black Panther at least for a while when T'Chaka was still king.

 

[coreymb16]

I starting to think they will not recast the role. I think a lot of people everywhere are not seeing the big picture and Chadwick’s death is clouding their judgment(understandably). That tribute video Marvel released was so focus on his Black Panther character that I believe it pushed people even further into notion of not recasting.

 

[Fincher]

See, being King of Wakanda and Black Panther I don't think are exactly hand in hand. I got the impression in Civil War that T'Chaka was Black Panther, but passed it to T'Challa at some point. Likely cause of physical decline, and then T'Challa was Black Panther while T'Chaka was still king. Note, T'Challa is Black Panther prior to the events of the movie, which is about him becoming King of Wakanda. So he had to be Black Panther at least for a while when T'Chaka was still king.

I think it's part of the king's role and his son just filled in because he couldn't do it anymore. Regardless, it is a lineage and part of their culture, and it is connected to how they choose their king because they choose someone who's a strong warrior and therefore worthy of being Black Panther. T'Challa could be Black Panther for every movie in the MCU where it comes up, and as long as Wakanda's still around and follows its current rules, it's the case that when he's no longer able to be Black Panther, or at least when he's dead, someone else will become Black Panther. I can understand not wanting to see it (I don't want to see Indiana Jones die even though I know he's not immortal), but I don't understand talking about it like it isn't already established. If we have to split it between "it's the clothing" and "it's the man", then it's the clothing. It's a title that one inherits and defends.

 

[Spider-Fan]

I starting to think they will not recast the role. I think a lot of people everywhere are not seeing the big picture and Chadwick’s death is clouding their judgment(understandably). That tribute video Marvel released was so focus on his Black Panther character that I believe it pushed people even further into notion of not recasting.

Honestly, my guess is that everyone is probably taking a break from the movie and they will figure it out later. Marvel could have spoke to Chadwick about it at some point before he passed, but given Coogler said he was writing the movie for Chadwick still, my guess is probably not. I doubt we hear anything about their plans for a while.

I will say that if they opt for not recasting, I do think that delays the movie more than recast does. Not that I think that should be the most pressing concern, but like I said before, if they opt for Shuri or whoever as Black Panther, they can't just plug them in where T'Challa's lines were. They would have to rewrite the whole movie, which also means scrapping whatever concept art they had already, etc. I expect a delay regardless, but I think the delay is longer if they have to go that route.

 

[Spider-Fan]

I think it's part of the king's role and his son just filled in because he couldn't do it anymore. Regardless, it is a lineage and part of their culture, and it is connected to how they choose their king because they choose someone who's a strong warrior and therefore worthy of being Black Panther. T'Challa could be Black Panther for every movie in the MCU where it comes up, and as long as Wakanda's still around and follows its current rules, it's the case that when he's no longer able to be Black Panther, or at least when he's dead, someone else will become Black Panther. I can understand not wanting to see it (I don't want to see Indiana Jones die even though I know he's not immortal), but I don't understand talking about it like it isn't already established. If we have to split it between "it's the clothing" and "it's the man", then it's the clothing. It's a title that one inherits and defends.

I know people keep saying anyone can wear the mask, but the first Black Panther movie was not about the mantle of Black Panther. It was a story about T'Challa and how his view of the world has been challenged by the revelations of his family's past sins, and how that changes his moral compass and how he approaches the throne. Yes, the Black Panther is a mantle, but it is T'Challa's story that resonated with people. So for me, it is about the man. Not the outfit. The best superhero stories are always about the character in the costume and not the costume itself.

 

[onDgrind]

Damn ,very disappointed in you guys . The guys only been dead for how long and all you care about is recasting? That's just plain heartless, yes life goes on, but show some respect. This topic shouldn't even exist till months after.

 

[Fincher]

I know people keep saying anyone can wear the mask, but the first Black Panther movie was not about the mantle of Black Panther. It was a story about T'Challa and how his view of the world has been challenged by the revelations of his family's past sins, and how that changes his moral compass and how he approaches the throne. Yes, the Black Panther is a mantle, but it is T'Challa's story that resonated with people. So for me, it is about the man. Not the outfit. The best superhero stories are always about the character in the costume and not the costume itself.

Okay, I can understand that. Putting aside questions of respect and just looking at what's best for the movies, I would want them to recast and continue, too.

 

[Spider-Fan]

Damn ,very disappointed in you guys . The guys only been dead for how long and all you care about is recasting? That's just plain heartless, yes life goes on, but show some respect. This topic shouldn't even exist till months after.

I understand those who feel that way. Really I do. But this is a question on everyone's mind. T'Challa and the Black Panther franchise is important both pop culturally and for Chadwick Boseman's legacy. So, it is natural for it to be discussed.

Also, it is not like anyone forces a discussion on anyone. People can participate of their own accord. The site has plenty of threads. I think like 3 or 4 on this very topic of Boseman's passing as well. If this is a topic one feels uncomfortable discussing at this point in time, there are options.

Let us also not forget: people grieve differently. Some throw themselves into work, some ignore, some brood, etc. This topic is therapeutic for many. Including me. Just saying, don't be too quick to throw stones.

 

[onDgrind]

There are no stones been thrown here ,its an unnecessary topic at this moment. I guess we are all different, have fun

 

[Spider-Fan]

One thing I do want to add is naturally, people are going to be divided on this issue. I have seen the conversation already get heated a few times. Emotions are very high, but I think the passion on this topic stems from the same place: we all loved Chadwick Boseman and found inspiration in this character he gifted all of us. Everyone wants the same thing, to honor the King of Wakanda. While that may mean different things to us, let's not lose sight of that. We are more similar than we are different.

At the end of the day, Feige, Coogler, etc all knew Chadwick better than us. I may think recasting is the best way to honor Chadwick, but if Coogler and co see it differently and we have ourselves a new character as Black Panther, then I trust their judgement. As much as we all feel sad about his passing, it is 10x worse for them and 100x worse for his family. I have little doubt whatever they choose is going to do right by Boseman.

 

[C. Lee]

There are no stones been thrown here ,its an unnecessary topic at this moment. I guess we are all different, have fun

The staff will decide what is an unnecessary topic....but since you have made your opinion on it clear, there is no reason for you to post in here any more.

 

[Gamma Goliath]

There are no stones been thrown here ,its an unnecessary topic at this moment. I guess we are all different, have fun

Who decided it was unnecessary? Nearly everyone here who has been in favor of the recast has spoken about how much respect they have for what he did and how recasting is keeping the legacy alive. How long is everyone supposed to mourn and talk about his passing? Its a natural part of the conversation. It may not be comfortable for everyone but its far from heartless or unnecessary even if its only been a few days.

 

[KillerMcQueen]

Talking about it is how the posters in this thread cope with it, this is a massive blow to this community, and frankly, we are all thinking about it. This role is a huge part of Boseman's legacy, and wanting to discuss what is the best way to respect and honor that legacy is a natural response from a forum like this. Most of the people in this thread have a huge amount of respect for Boseman, and if they want to discuss this to help them deal with the loss then they need to be allowed to do that.

Personally, I don't think there necessarily is a right or wrong way to go about this, whether they pass the mantle or recast, the filmmakers, and whoever takes up the role next will have to prove themselves to the audience, and if they do a good job, they will ultimately be embraced for the most part. We do not know what Boseman would have preferred, how he would have felt about recasting, about a new character taking over, etc. so nobody should be assuming that any approach is necessarily respectful or disrespectful, that should be left up to the people who actually knew him and worked with him on these movies.

 

[Holy Slapper]

Knowing how much the role and movie meant to Chadwick, I find it hard to believe he would want the character and it's legacy to die. I tempt to believe what some people have said that he may have hand picked his successor or at least candidates. I would not be surprised if he hear about those after his funeral.

 

[MCU King]

I am pretty sure regardless, BPII will be delayed. Ryan Coogler in his write up about Chadwick's passing says he was writing the script with the intention of Chadwick playing T'Challa. So as of right now, BPII is still T'Challa's story.

This is why I think Ryan Coogler will depart Black Panther 2 now.

If I was in his shoes and I forged this story centering on Chadwick as T'Challa, and then Disney says I have to now do 'Shuri the movie' .... Creative differences.

 

[MCU King]

Knowing how much the role and movie meant to Chadwick, I find it hard to believe he would want the character and it's legacy to die. I tempt to believe what some people have said that he may have hand picked his successor or at least candidates. I would not be surprised if he hear about those after his funeral.

Yeah, I'm certain Chadwick would have wanted T'Challa to continue, the evidence is in all his interviews and it's powerful stuff. Especially when he talks about the boys who needed T'Challa to exist.

Unfortunately though, much to the disrespect of Chadwick (and likely Kevin Feige who actually knows the comics importance of the character), I can totally see Disney handing over the franchise to Shuri in order to please the Twitter mobs.

Grace Randolph is echo-ing this as well;

 

[Spider-Fan]

I highly doubt they would force Coogler to do anything he didn't want to do. Coogler had a lot of freedom last movie, and I would imagine his voice will be very important on this topic

 

[Gamma Goliath]

I also don't see Disney succumbing to fan opinion, I know they went back on the James Gunn thing but that was different.

 

[MCU King]

I highly doubt they would force Coogler to do anything he didn't want to do. Coogler had a lot of freedom last movie, and I would imagine his voice will be very important on this topic

We can only hope. But yes, to echo was someone posted earlier.. the movement to kill off T'Challa and bury the character (out of supposed respect to Chadwick) is actually becoming a loud movement.

This is coming from someone who vehemently disagrees with it, but I have to acknowledge it's gaining unfortunate traction.

 

[Marvel united]

Many people do not want to see the established icongraphy of MCU T'Challa overwritten. I've said this before, but anyone who tries to replace him will feel like an imposter to many people. The legacy and cultural impact that Chadwick had is just too great, the actor would be over taken by it.

And I highly doubt Coogler would leave. After all, he was a major reason why Shuri, Nakia and Okoye were given center spotlight roles. Why would Coogler not want to continue with the character he, himself molded on the page? For all we know, Ryan may not want to recast T'Challa either

 

[Spider-Fan]

Many people do not want to see the established icongraphy of MCU T'Challa overwritten. I've said this before, but anyone who tries to replace him will feel like an imposter to many people. The legacy and cultural impact that Chadwick had is just too great, the actor would be over taken by it.

And I highly doubt Coogler would leave. After all, he was a major reason why Shuri, Nakia and Okoye were given center spotlight roles. Why would Coogler not want to continue with the character he, himself molded on the page? For all we know, Ryan may not want to recast T'Challa either

We really don't know where Ryan and/or Kevin are at all. They may want to recast, they may want to retire and pass the mantle, or possibly Coogler loses interest in the project cause it is too much emotionally. Again, I won't worry about Coogler unless something actually happens, but ultimately it will come down to whatever Coogler and Feige think is best. Not fans or anyone else.

 

[Boom]

They could deviate from canon and have M'Baku take up the mantle. But Shuri has precedent so that may be the natural go-to.

 

[Vaibow]

I don't understand. Multiverse how? You mean like, recast T'Challa and just say new T'Challa is from Earth XYZ? I think everyone would hate that. If you mean something else, please elaborate.

Dr Strange is going the multiverse route... introduce a totally different, new actor in that... see how bad ass he is... they all are, on Wakanda - it's nothing like Chadwick and his cast. That world also has a different Tony, Capt, you name it... so it slowly introduces the audience to other interpretations. That instantly eases the transition. As BP is lore, he's iconic across the universe... the spirit is what makes the BP.

Then, when they are ready, announce a new actor to carry on CB's fine work... that movie is a sequel with all the returning cast... and just in my mind, isn't as harsh moving forward.

 

[Spider-Fan]

Dr Strange is going the multiverse route... introduce a totally different, new actor in that... see how bad ass he is... they all are, on Wakanda - it's nothing like Chadwick and his cast. That world also has a different Tony, Capt, you name it... so it slowly introduces the audience to other interpretations. That instantly eases the transition. As BP is lore, he's iconic across the universe... the spirit is what makes the BP.

Then, when they are ready, announce a new actor to carry on CB's fine work... that movie is a sequel with all the returning cast... and just in my mind, isn't as harsh moving forward.

Dr Strange 2 is going to be about the multiverse, but the movie's purpose isn't just to function as setup for things like this. If there is too much of this, movie will not be focused. I wouldn't do it.

 

[Gladius Nova]

Dr Strange is going the multiverse route... introduce a totally different, new actor in that... see how bad ass he is... they all are, on Wakanda - it's nothing like Chadwick and his cast. That world also has a different Tony, Capt, you name it... so it slowly introduces the audience to other interpretations. That instantly eases the transition. As BP is lore, he's iconic across the universe... the spirit is what makes the BP.

Then, when they are ready, announce a new actor to carry on CB's fine work... that movie is a sequel with all the returning cast... and just in my mind, isn't as harsh moving forward.

That plot will be too “complicated” for the general movie going audience.