The outsized success of Black Panther, both critically and commercially, has long instigated expectations for a sequel. But no one knew when it would happen. Hollywood Reporter and Shadow and Act have reported that the film maker behind the $1.3 billion worldwide hit, Ryan Coogler, has quietly signed a deal to write and direct a second Black Panther.

Although they did not disclose their sources, The Hollywood Reporter, who first broke the news, writes that before and after Black Panther was released in February, “both Marvel and Coogler’s camp were hounded about when a sequel deal would be inked”. Usually, a filmmaker and a studio are quick to sign a follow-up, especially after a successful opening. “But Coogler’s camp shook off the peer pressure and took its time in making a deal, which occurred under the radar some time ago.”

While Ryan Coogler is currently working on his next movie, Wrong Answer, the plan is for him to write Black Panther 2 in 2019 and for production to begin in the last quarter of the year or early 2020. Coogler is also executive producing Space Jam, starring LeBron James.

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Fisayo is a journalist in search of words. Tweet at her @fisvyo

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