Ryan Coogler to Write and Direct ‘Black Panther 2’

Ryan Coogler is returning to Wakanda.

The highly-anticipated sequel to Marvel’s record-shattering box office success Black Panther has been in the works for some time. But it wasn’t until this week that we officially learned director and writer Ryan Coogler would return to helm the follow-up project.

Many fans are ecstatic over the return of the beloved creator, taking to Twitter to voice their support.

GURLZ GET IN FORMATION! Black Panther 2!! Come on Ryan Coogler yasss! Get the bag! Biggest solo MCU film and biggest mcu domestic! We stan a King!

— Jason (Crown Clown) (@EscaflowneClown) October 11, 2018

yay! ryan coogler for black panther 2!! i literally can’t wait, i know it’s gonna be great. pic.twitter.com/ss2pWRdRoH

— 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 (@ki11monger) October 11, 2018

Chadwick Boseman is expected to return in the titular role, alongside others in the A-list ensemble.

A release date has not been set yet and plot details have yet to be revealed. Marvel had no comment.

“Black Panther” blew away box office records earlier this year, making $1.3 billion worldwide, including $700 million domestically — the biggest U.S. box office gross for any Marvel film. The movie is also expected to be in awards contention, as is Coogler for directing. Awards pundits anticipate a best picture nomination for the fantasy pic.

Sources tell Variety that production is expected to start at the end of next year or early 2020, depending on when the script is ready. According to sources, Coogler is planning to shoot a smaller movie before the sequel — one possibility is a new take on “12 Angry Men.” It is unknown if “Black Panther 2” will now become his primary focus or if he will still try to squeeze that smaller film in.

Coogler is executive producing “Creed 2,” which bows next month. He is represented by WME. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.

(Excerpts) Read More at: Variety.com and Mashable.com