When Chadwick Boseman passed away a couple of years ago, there were folks talking about possible replacements for the actor in the role of T’Challa in the “Black Panther” franchise. A name that was brought up for that role, and really any sort of Wakandan role, was John Boyega. However, the actor has gone on record saying that he isn’t interested in a Marvel role. That said, one of the reasons he accepted a major role in “The Woman King” is because it had that “Black Panther” feel to it.
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Speaking to Letitia Wright as part of a Variety interview, John Boyega talked about his latest film, “The Woman King.” In the film, Boyega plays King Ghezo, a ruler of the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 19th century. And when asked why he accepted the role and how he felt after reading the script, Boyega mentioned how it allowed him to feel closer to being in “Black Panther.” You know, without actually signing on the Marvel dotted line.
“This is the closest I’m going to ever get to being in ‘Black Panther.’ So there was that connection,” Boyega said. “I was like, ‘I’m closer to Wakanda.’ And then it was about Gina Prince-Bythewood, our director, who wrote me this letter, and it felt like a call to action. But also, I knew that I would be wearing robes. I’m Nigerian — I must wear robes that are magnificent and colorful. So there’s a fun element to it.”
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Judging by his comments, you have to assume that Boyega is being truthful with his claim that he’s going to avoid working on Marvel films and any sort of major franchise work for the time being. He has famously talked about the hardship of being a huge part of a franchise during his time in the most recent “Star Wars” films. Not only did he have issues with how his character was treated by the filmmakers involved, but Boyega also dealt with racism and vitriol from the fandom. It’s clear this experience has shaped his career, for better or worse.
Could Boyega change his mind and eventually show up in a “Black Panther” film? Of course. In fact, if they want to get sneaky with it, Marvel could sign Boyega to be an older version of a certain surprise character who shows up in “Wakanda Forever.” The multiverse is a strange place, folks.