After recent reports of behind-the-scenes issues during filming “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” it does appear the production is officially going on hiatus until 2022. And with the announcement, we’re learning more details about the injuries sustained by star Letitia Wright earlier this year.
In an internal memo sent to “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” cast and crew (via Deadline), Marvel Studios executives Kevin Feige and Louis D’Esposito, along with producer Nate Moore, explained the situation surrounding the troubled production and the injury to the film’s star, Letitia Wright. And it appears what was thought to be a pretty minor injury turned out to be significantly more serious, leading to production being shut down until January.
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Previously, reports surfaced that Letitia Wright suffered some sort of injury on the set of the “Black Panther” sequel back in August. As the studio assumed it was fairly minor, Marvel Studios and writer-director Ryan Coogler shot scenes with other characters as they waited for Wright’s return. However, as seen in the new memo, they did run out of scenes to shoot and Wright’s injuries are keeping her sidelined until at least January.
What were the injuries? Well, the memo says Wright suffered “a critical shoulder fracture and a concussion with severe side effects.”
However, once that news hit earlier this month, it was rumored that Wright’s status could pose a different problem with production, as the actress is assumed to be unvaccinated against COVID-19, which could make her travel plans from London (where she is currently recovering) back to the US to shoot the film a bit of a challenge. While the memo doesn’t tackle this question at all, it does clearly state that Wright is going to return and will continue to be a major part of the film.
“As of now, we’re on schedule to resume filming – with Letitia – in January 2022,” said the memo. “We are all focused on finishing the movie with excellence, honoring the memory of our dear brother Chadwick in the process. We are thrilled to share ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ with the world, confident that the challenges that we have overcome together as a team will make the film even more impactful.”
So, with all that being said, if we are to believe the memo sent by Marvel Studios folks (and why wouldn’t we, at this point?), it would appear that ‘Wakanda Forever’ will resume production in early 2022, with the plan of Letitia Wright returning to continue her role as Shuri in the film. Of course, things could definitely change, as recovery from serious injuries often doesn’t follow plans very well.
But at this point, we have to assume “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will resume filming in January and will hit its anticipated release date of November 11, 2022.
Here’s the full note sent to “Black Panther 2” crew members:
As we wind down for the holidays, we wanted to send a note of thanks and appreciation for the hard work of our entire cast and crew, as well as an update on timing. First and foremost, this project is exceptional and something we know audiences are eager to see. We could not be any more excited to complete this film and share it with the world next year. Thank you for everything you’ve done to get us to this place.
Unfortunately, we’ve not gotten here without a few setbacks. Running a production of this scale in the midst of a pandemic is not an easy task, and you have remained diligent and professional throughout. In addition, as you are all aware, Letitia had a frightening accident on our set during a stunt back in August. It was a reminder of the importance of safety at all times in our work, which we know you understand and are committed to. What we had initially thought were minor injuries turned out to be much more serious with Letitia suffering a critical shoulder fracture, and a concussion with severe side effects. It has been a painful process and Letitia has been home recovering with her doctors and the support of family.
We’ve adjusted our production schedule so she has the time she needs to heal, but there’s only so much we can do without Shuri! We also want to thank Letitia for everything she’s doing to get back to the set – we know how much she loves this role, how tough it’s been for her to be away, and how hard she’s working to recover as quickly as she safely can. We are eagerly awaiting her return and we know we will all come back stronger together.
Please be on the lookout for more information on your specific return-to-work date. As of now, we’re on schedule to resume filming – with Letitia – in January 2022. We are all focused on finishing the movie with excellence, honoring the memory of our dear brother Chadwick in the process. We are thrilled to share Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with the world, confident that the challenges that we have overcome together as a team will make the film even more impactful. Please take care of yourselves and enjoy the holidays.
-Kevin, Louis & Nate