Ryan Coogler Will Write and Direct the Black Panther Sequel

In a revelation that is no less exciting for its inevitability, Ryan Coogler will return to Wakanda to write and direct a sequel to Marvel’s Black Panther. According to THR, the filmmaker will begin scripting his follow-up next year, with tentative plans to begin production in either late 2019 or early 2020. Chadwick Boseman is expected to reprise his starring role as the titular hero, as are multiple other members of the film’s impressive ensemble, per Variety.

Black Panther has grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide to date, making it one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s biggest commercial successes, not to mention one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Understandably, Marvel’s goal was to retain as much of the first film’s creative team as possible for the sequel, with only timing as a question mark. Locking down Coogler is the latest in a long, long line of big wins for the MCU.

Interestingly enough, rather than striking while the iron was hot in the immediate wake of Black Panther’s record-breaking success, Coogler took his time in closing a return deal with Marvel, “which occurred under the radar some time ago,” according to THR. And the filmmaker’s star is likely to rise even higher when Oscar nominations are announced in January, as many believe Black Panther will be a serious contender.

Coogler is currently developing education drama Wrong Answer, for which he’ll reunite with Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan, and executive producing both Lebron James’ forthcoming Space Jam sequel and the Jordan-starring Creed II.