Wakanda Forever!
Michaela Cole, the Emmy nominated writer, actress, and producer, has been cast in an unknown role in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the sequel to the history-making Marvel movie, “Black Panther.”
Cole burst on the scene in 2017 with her hit Netflix show, “Chewing Gum.” Following the end of that, she wrote, produced, and starred in her critically acclaimed HBO Max series “I May Destroy You,” which follows a popular writer processing trauma from a sexual assault in London. She received four Emmy nominations for her work on the series.
Character details are kept under wraps for now. According to Variety, “Insiders say Coel has joined director Ryan Coogler at Atlanta’s Pinewood Studios, where production began last month. Marvel Studios declined to comment on the matter.” Fans of the Marvel franchise have been hoping that Michaela would be cast as Ororo Munroe, also known as Storm, for some time. In the cosmic book series, Ororo and T’Challa fall in love and get married.
Other possible characters that people are hoping for include Madam Slay – a love interest to Erik Killmonger, who can control leopards. Aneka – the captain of the Dora Milaje. Or Bast, or “Panther God,” known as the protector of the Panther Clan. She was the one who gave Bashenga, and the rest of his lineage, the power of the Black Panther and control over Wakanda.
The Ghanaian-British actress credits include Netflix’s “Black Mirror” and the feature films “Been So Long” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” She works through her indie label Falkna Productions, which co-produced “I May Destroy You” and is not represented by a talent agency.
Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, Florence Kasumba, and Angela Bassett are believed to be reprising their roles from the original film.
“It’s clearly very emotional without Chad,” Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige previously told reporters. “But everyone is also very excited to bring the world of Wakanda back to the public and back to the fans. We’re going to do it in a way that would make Chad proud.”
Fingers crossed for Storm https://t.co/SsJvSeMdSz
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) July 21, 2021
My guesses are Madam Slay, Ororo Munroe, or Aneka.
But I have no idea but I love Michaela Coel joining the MCU. https://t.co/alFHvBLjFF
— always manifesting ✨ (@Steph_I_Will) July 21, 2021
advertisement
This is something I never knew I wanted so badly until now. I’m so happy for Michaela!!! She deserves everything!!!! pic.twitter.com/suMP4Ws5yZ
— Finessa_Trilliams (@C_Jill_Run) July 22, 2021
advertisement
Can you imagine if they cast her as Storm? https://t.co/laGx6gHtjE
— Darryl Wharton-Rigby ダリル・ワートン-リグビー (@whartonrigby) July 21, 2021
advertisement
Stahpppppp this is perfect https://t.co/Oh2Uo3lbGm
— B (@Bsmitty_) July 21, 2021
advertisement
I know madam Slay when I see her https://t.co/T8x7QoqLa2 pic.twitter.com/v9G2rLBtgl
— Rå⚡️ (@TheeMunroe) July 21, 2021
advertisement
GET THOSE MARVEL COINS QUEEN!pic.twitter.com/A1swdP2ek6 https://t.co/oQPY71NcTE
— damian (@filmskinny) July 21, 2021
advertisement
This film just got a helluva UPGRADE!! https://t.co/ziOI5Uqztz
— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) July 21, 2021
advertisement
This is so exciting. I love her https://t.co/OBfQvkYShR
— Love_Peace&Hair_Grease (@Fav_Drkn_Auntie) July 22, 2021
advertisement
Forever and ever…Amen! https://t.co/XleoXOCzXe
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) July 22, 2021
advertisement
About time! She should have been in the first one. https://t.co/O4qtfs11hK
— Toliece Bowens (@LeoSoulStar13) July 22, 2021
advertisement
michaela coel, danai gurira, angela bassett, and lupita nyong’o all on my screen at the same time i might pass tf out
— dajour (@selahspades) July 21, 2021
advertisement
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is set for wide release on July 8, 2022.
We can’t wait for this!
Photo Credit: Sophy Holland/Variety