Black Panther hero Chadwick Boseman tragically lost his battle with colon cancer, last week, and fans have asked that he isn’t recast for a sequel.
Disney are ‘not focused’ on planning production of the Black Panther sequel, following the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman.
Studio bosses are grieving the actor’s death and not the sequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The publication adds that Disney is trying to pay tribute to the star.
A source close to Chadwick shared with the outlet that the actor, 43, was convinced until around a week prior to his death that he was going to beat cancer and be able to film Black Panther 2.
Chadwick died on Friday at the age of 43 following a secret four-year battle with colon cancer.
The American actor had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and secretly battled the disease.
The news was confirmed in a statement posted on Instagram late on Friday in the US, which read: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.
“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
“It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
In April this year, fans had been concerned after footage of Chadwick showed him looking frail. The star had sparked alarm when he looked dramatically thinner during an appearance on Instagram.
Fans had asked if he was ok after he appeared visibly thin and sporting a beard, however he did not engage with the questioning.
Chadwick first played the superhero Black Panther/T’Challa in the film Captain America: Civil War, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo before his work with Coogler.
He went on to appear in the films Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame and was due to return to the role in Black Panther II, which is due to be directed by Ryan Coogler and released in 2022 – the status of which is now unknown.
