It’s Official: Marvel Brings Back Ryan Coogler to Write and Direct ‘Black Panther 2’

Even after the events of Infinity War left the main character dead, once Black Panther became the highest grossing film of the year in North America—and third highest grossing film of all time behind Avatar and The Force Awakens—we all knew it was getting a sequel. The thing we didn't know is whether or not writer/director Ryan Coogler would be back to direct the next chapter in the king of Wakanda's story, and it's now been officially announced that he is returning.

The Hollywood Reporter broke the story late yesterday, indicating that Coogler is set to begin the process of writing the sequel next year. Whether the film goes into production next year or in 2020 remains a mystery, but Marvel hasn't announced any films beyond next year's trio of Captain Marvel, Avengers 4, and Spider-Man: Far From Home.

It's unlikely that Black Panther 2 would hit theaters before 2021, but we shouldn't underestimate Marvel's ability to get a film made in under a year—Far From Home began shooting last month despite being due in theaters in July. Coogler is producing Creed II, due out next month, as well as the upcoming Space Jam sequel with LeBron James, so it's not like he's wont for things to do. Even still, just the news that he'll be back for Black Panther 2 is enough to get fans excited for the sequel.