Chadwick Boseman’s role as the titular superhero Black Panther will not be recast following the actor’s death.
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige confirmed the decision on Thursday during a presentation at Disney’s Investor Day.
“I wanted to acknowledge the devastating loss of a dear friend and member of the Marvel Studios family,” said Feige.
“Chadwick Boseman was an immensely talented actor and an inspirational individual who affected all of our lives professionally and personally.”
“His portrayal of T’Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past,” he added.
“To honor the legacy that Chad helped us build through his portrayal of the king of Wakanda, we want to continue to explore the world of Wakanda and all of the rich and varied characters introduced in the first film.”
The 43-year-old actor passed away in August after suffering for four years from colon cancer, and never made his diagnosis public.
The much awaited sequel is being written and directed by Ryan Coogler, and set to hit theaters on on July 8, 2022.
Feige’s announcement echoes the words of Black Panther executive producer Victoria Alonso, who confirmed in the past that a digital double would not be used for Boseman in the sequel.
Alonso was quoted saying in an interview in November that the filmmakers were taking time to decide how to continue the story.
The first Black Panther, which was also helmed by Coogler, went on to gross over $1 billion at the box office worldwide and earned Marvel Studios its first Oscar nomination for Best Picture.