Daniel Kaluuya Thinks Not Being in Black Panther 2 Is Best for Story

August 23, 2022

Actor Daniel Kaluuya will not be reprising his role as W’Kabi in the upcoming sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever due to scheduling conflicts the actor had. According to Kaluuya, he’s still excited to see the film as a fan.

During a recent appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul., a film Kaluuya is producing, he spoke with Variety about the Marvel Cinematic Universe film. He said that his backing out of the film due to scheduling conflicts with his role in Jordan Peele’s sci-fi thriller Nope was what served the story of Wakanda Forever the best.

“It’s what’s best for the story, what’s best for the film,” Kaluuya said. “I’m excited for it. I’m excited to watch it.”

Kaluuya was also asked about his future with the MCU, to which the actor jokingly teased that he was unable to really confirm anything, as is the standard with most actors and their involvement in the large movie universe.

“You know I can’t tell you!” Kaluuya joked. “You’re supposed to start with that!”

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is once again being directed by Ryan Coogler from a screenplay he is co-writing with Joe Robert Cole. It will see the return of most of its original main cast including Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross, Letitia Wright as Shuri, and Winston Duke as M’Baku.

In addition, Tenoch Huerta (Narcos: Mexico) has reportedly been cast as the upcoming film’s antagonist, with some fans and outlets speculating that he might be playing the role of Namor. I May Destroy You creator-star Michaela Coel has also reportedly signed on for an undisclosed role.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently slated to hit theaters on November 11, 2022, over two years following the untimely passing of titular star and acclaimed actor Chadwick Boseman, who died at the age of 43 after his four-year-long private battle with colon cancer.