Director Ryan Coogler has shared details about the original plot of Black Panther 2, which was written before the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman. Instead of a story of mourning as seen in Wakanda Forever, the first draft focused on the relationship between T’Challa and his eight-year-old son.
The story centers on a fictional Wakandan tradition called the Ritual of 8, where a father and son must spend eight days together. During this time, the prince can ask anything and the father is obligated to answer. This is where the attack by Namor, who has been established as the main villain from the beginning, would take place.
Coogler shared his disappointment over the script's failure, especially since he had already sent it to Boseman, who was too ill to read it. After the success of his projects, he is currently developing a third Black Panther film with Marvel Studios.