'Black Panther' UPDATE: Marvel Holds Off Hiring Director To Helm T'Challa Solo Movie Until Script Is Secured


Craving for some “Black Panther” update? Then buckle up because you’re in for a treat. Well sort of.

Ever wondered why “Black Panther” has not started with its production despite having a tentative release date? The answer’s relatively simple — Marvel wants to secure the script first for T’Challa solo movie before hiring a director to helm it.

Marvel was reported to be publicly courting Ava DuVernay (“Selma”) and F. Gary Gray (“Straight Outta Compton”) but, Cinema Blend has learned DuVernay declined the opportunity to direct “Black Panther” for a couple of reasons including her being tied up to the movie for years and limiting her from making films within the confines of the studio. For F. Gary Gray, he was recently seen in a photo with Vin Diesel fueling the rumors that he might be the one to helm the latest offering of the “Fast and Furious” franchise, “Furious 8.” While it has not taken him out of the race for “Black Panther," a problem with scheduling may arise if the rumors proved to be accurate.

Nevertheless, the choice of director is not of importance as of the moment since Marvel has yet to secure the services of a writer for the T’ Challa solo movie. Comicbook.com revealed that first on the list of Marvel to write for “Black Panther” was John Robert Cole. Apparently, the two parties nearly closed the deal. However, Marvel has kept mum about the issue.

“Black Panther” will feature Chadwick Boseman as the king of the African nation of Wakanda, T’Challa. The revelation that Black Panther will become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will have his own solo movie was teased in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” with the appearance of his nemesis Klaw, portrayed by Andy Serkis. Furthermore, Black Panther will make his first appearance in Chris Evans’ “Captain America: Civil War.”

If you’re wondering who John Robert Cole, the rumored "Black Panther" writer, is, Screen Rant divulged he has supposedly taken a crack at the “Inhumans” films and has been a part of the in-house program of Marvel. Although Cole has a scanty list of feature-films, his involvement in the studio's program would likely give him an advantage in delivering the type of entertainment that Marvel has been known for.

“Black Panther” is set for release in July 6, 2018.

Real Time Analytics