Black Panther 2 may not begin filming until 2021, says Martin Freeman. Marvel Studios’ Black Panther was a certifiable cultural phenomenon, not just because it was a successful superhero film, but because of what it represented to black communities everywhere. Knowing that the beloved cast and director Ryan Coogler are all returning, audiences have since been eagerly awaiting the sequel, guessing at what might happen or when it will arrive in theaters.
In an interview with Uproxx, Freeman, who recently said he’d reprise Everett Ross in Black Panther 2, provided a small update on the sequel’s progress. Based on what he’s been told, the actor envisions production commencing at some point in 2021:
The last I heard, we won’t be doing it next year. So, it might be 2021 when we’re making the next Black Panther. That’s all I know.
This timetable makes sense considering Marvel’s current lineup. Since Black Panther 2 isn’t releasing in 2021, there’s no reason for it to commence production next year. If filming does start in 2021, that would put Black Panther 2 on track for a 2022 premiere. Many people have pointed to the February 2022 date Marvel’s secured as the most likely landing spot for the sequel. Theoretically, this would make it the first installment of the MCU’s Phase 5. At Comic-Con, Feige stated the five movies and five Disney+ TV shows releasing between 2020 and 2021 constitute the full Phase 4. Other Phase 5 projects include the Blade reboot starring Mahershala Ali, James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy 3, and Captain Marvel 2.
The Black Panther sequel was officially announced at SDCC in July and is currently in development. Ryan Coogler is returning as writer and director with Chadwick Boseman, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira and Martin Freeman reprising their roles.
