The Walt Disney Company and Proximity Media directed by Ryan Coogler have signed a five-year deal, according to Disney. As part of that deal, Coogler was the director of the 2018 Oscar winner Black Pantherwill develop a Disney Plus television series set in the Afro-futurist nation of Wakanda.
Wakanda was originally created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and has a long history in Marvel Comics. Captain America received his first Vibranium shield after becoming friends with the Black Panther, for example, during World War II. But most recently, under the writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and several artists, the nation has rewritten its constitution to become a democratic constitutional monarchy, restarted its space program and – due to some gimmicks in space travel – discovered a thousand-year-old Wakandan space empire ruled by a despot adoring Eric Killmonger. Basically anything is possible in this universe.
“Ryan Coogler is a unique storyteller whose vision and scope have made him one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation,” said Bob Iger, Disney Executive Chairman. “With Black PantherRyan brought a groundbreaking story and iconic characters to life in real, meaningful and unforgettable ways, and created a turning point in the cultural moment. We are very excited to strengthen our relationship and look forward to sharing more great stories with Ryan and his team. “
As for Black panther 2Feige announced during the Disney Investor call in December that the sequel would move forward despite the death of actor Chadwick Boseman, but that Coogler would not re-cast the part of T’Challa. The film is currently scheduled to hit cinemas on July 8, 2022.
