In less than two weeks,Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverwill cap off 2022’s Marvel releases with a bang, returning everyone toRyan Coogler’s vision of the kingdom of Wakanda. With the release close at hand, Collider’s ownSteve Weintraubsat down with producerNate Mooreto discuss the film and some related projects. During the interview, Moore was able to give some updates on the upcomingIronheartseries as well as the untitled Wakanda spinoff showannounced back in 2021as part of Coogler’s overall deal with Disney.
Coogler’s Proximity Media banner was handed a five-year contract with the hopes of expanding on the world of theBlack Pantherfilms with the spinoff expected to take a more intimate look at Wakanda. There’s plenty of room within the kingdom to tell loads of compelling tales, allowing viewers to explore the political struggles and environment under some lower stakes. Plot details are still kept under wraps, but it was confirmed thatDanai Gurirawould be returning as Okoyein the series. Regarding how much progress has been made on it, however, the news isn’t exactly great for fans hoping for an expedient return to Wakanda. Moore emphasized that minds haven’t been on developing the spinoff considering bothWakanda ForeverandIronheartwere still on their plate and far more pressing. He explained:
Because of the amount of time and attention that went into this film, and frankly theIronheartshow, that is probably not as far along as people want it to be, but there are certainly great ideas that we’re still talking to Ryan about. So, we’ll see how far we can get with it.
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Ironheartis definitely a higher priority than a Wakanda spinoff at the moment. Riri Williams, portrayed byDominique Thorne, isset to debut inWakanda Foreverto help Shuri (Letitia Wright) and the rest fend off Namor the Submariner (Tenoch Huerta) with her newly-constructed iron suit. As the spiritual successor to Iron Man, the 15-year-old engineering prodigy is expected to have an important role in the franchise going forward, not only appearing in her own series but also in theArmor Warsmovie oppositeDon Cheadlewhen it releases.
IronheartFilming Update
Moore had a more positive update on the status ofIronheart, commenting that filming was about to wrap on the series. He added:
It’s nearly complete. I think they might be on their second to last day, if I’m not mistaken.
Although the series isn’t due until Fall 2023, it does give the team plenty of time to ensure Williams’s proper introduction to the MCU is perfect.Chinaka Hodge, who most recently penned an episode ofMike Flanagan’sThe Midnight Club, is behind the series withSam BaileyandAngela Barneson board to direct. Casting announcements for the series have been insane so far withSonia Denis,Manny Montana,Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola,Alden Ehrenreich,Anthony Ramos, andLyric Rossall confirmed to join Thorne.Sacha Baron CohenofBoratfame is alsoheavily rumored to be a part of the series, as isCree Summer.
Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverarrives in theaters on November 11. Stay tuned here at Collider for more onIronheartand the Wakanda spinoff series as news breaks.
