Black Panther 2 is officially on hiatus as confirmed by Marvel in a letter to the cast and crew where Letitia Wright’s previous injuries from August are said to involve a “frightening accident.”
While the injuries were previously downplayed, according to the memo below from Marvel’s Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, and Nate Moore, the injuries Letitia Wright suffered include a fractured shoulder and a concussion, with severe side effects, and that filming will return in January:
As we wind down for the holidays, we wanted to send a note of thanks and appreciation for the hard work of our entire cast and crew, as well as an update on timing. First and foremost, this project is exceptional and something we know audiences are eager to see. We could not be any more excited to complete this film and share it with the world next year. Thank you for everything you’ve done to get us to this place.
Unfortunately, we’ve not gotten here without a few setbacks. Running a production of this scale in the midst of a pandemic is not an easy task, and you have remained diligent and professional throughout. In addition, as you are all aware, Letitia had a frightening accident on our set during a stunt back in August. It was a reminder of the importance of safety at all times in our work, which we know you understand and are committed to. What we had initially thought were minor injuries turned out to be much more serious with Letitia suffering a critical shoulder fracture, and a concussion with severe side effects. It has been a painful process and Letitia has been home recovering with her doctors and the support of family.
We’ve adjusted our production schedule so she has the time she needs to heal, but there’s only so much we can do without Shuri! We also want to thank Letitia for everything she’s doing to get back to the set – we know how much she loves this role, how tough it’s been for her to be away, and how hard she’s working to recover as quickly as she safely can. We are eagerly awaiting her return and we know we will all come back stronger together.
Please be on the lookout for more information on your specific return-to-work date. As of now, we’re on schedule to resume filming – with Letitia – in January 2022. We are all focused on finishing the movie with excellence, honoring the memory of our dear brother Chadwick in the process. We are thrilled to share Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with the world, confident that the challenges that we have overcome together as a team will make the film even more impactful. Please take care of yourselves and enjoy the holidays.
-Kevin, Louis & Nate
Letitia Wright has a larger role in Black Panther 2
Director Ryan Coogler has been filming scenes around the absence of Letitia Wright, but now Wright is needed to film the Shuri scenes, where it is widely assumed that Shuri will take on a more prominent role in the sequel, with rumors offering Shuri will be a new Black Panther in the flick, possibly along with Winston Duke’s M’Baku.
The memo above noting the extent of Letitia Wright’s injuries also seems to put down the rumors that the real reason production has been delayed is because of Letitia Wright’s vaccination status, as if Wright is unvaccinated, she wouldn’t be allowed back in the United States to film, as Wright is presently home in London.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has a Nov. 11, 2022 release date.
(via Deadline)
