Things We Saw Today: Fans Petition Marvel to Recast ‘Black Panther’

After the tragic death of actor Chadwick Boseman, Marvel Studios announced that they would be retiring the character King T’Challa, with a new and different character taking up the Black Panther mantle. But the question of who that character would be has puzzled many fans. The obvious successor is Letitia Wright, who played T’Challa’s younger sister Shuri, and is returning for the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

But Wright’s promotion could be at risk, as she was rumored to be pushing an anti-vaccine agenda while on the set of the sequel. Wright had previously shared anti-vaxxer views on social media. While some people have brought up other possible Black Panthers, like M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira), or Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), many fans are now looking for a new actor to step into the role of T’Challa.

Chief among them is Chicago film critic Emmanuel Noisette, who launched a fan petition in April to recast the role. The petition, which currently has a little over 50,000 signatures, reads “If Marvel Studios removes T’Challa, it would be at the expense of the audiences (especially Black boys and men) who saw themselves in him. That includes the millions of fans who were inspired by the character as well.”

Of course, fan petitions have little (if any) sway on production, and Wakanda Forever is in the middle of filming. The film presumably addresses Boseman’s absence, and will find a path forward.

Should Marvel recast T’Challa or promote an existing character to become the Black Panther? Let us know in the comments.

(via HuffPost, image: Matt Kennedy / Marvel Studios)

• Scientists continue to debate whether or not Pluto is a planet, and I think we could all use a comeback story. (via NBC News)
• Here are 35 cats to follow on Twitter in 2022. (via Autostraddle)
• Alamar Cosmetics partnered with Disney’s Encanto for a make-up collection. (via Remezcla)
See more

Superman being introduced by Betty White. pic.twitter.com/GsfRfd6jOw

— Hardin is Reading Comics (@HardinComics) December 31, 2021

• Miley Cyrus had a wardrobe malfunction on New Year’s Eve, but didn’t we all? (via THR)
• Start 2022 with a scream with the best horror films of 2021. (via CBR)
• William Zabka talks about what’s in store for season 4 and 5 of Cobra Kai. (via Collider)
See more

Don’t make new years resolutions; make pacts with ancient forest beasts, make promises to old gods, make pledges to the deep wood, and most of all, trade your immortal soul for a terrible power that curls across your skin like uncurling ferns as you move through trembling pines

— Fossilized Tree Resin (@Jamberee13) December 31, 2021

Happy Sunday, Mary Suevians!

Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!

—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—

Have a tip we should know? tips@themarysue.com

Author

Close

Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

twitter