Kevin Feige clears up Black Panther 2 villain rumors

Kevin Feige sets the record straight regarding the villains of the Black Panther sequel and provides an update on the film.

The Black Panther sequel is still a little ways away, but rumors have already been circulating about the film’s story and villains. One particular rumor involves the return of Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger. Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige is well aware of these reports, and he’s now ready to set the record straight.

Feige told BET that the rumors regarding the villains or any elements of the story are false, as writer/director Ryan Coogler is only just starting work on the film. He also mentioned that he expects to sit down with Coogler within the next few weeks:

"“Pure rumor. The honest answer to that is that is pure rumor and speculation, because Mr. Coogler is just only in recent weeks sitting down at his keyboard and beginning to outline the movie. It’s early, so nothing is set yet in any way that far, because Mr. Coogler is sitting down and will share it with Nate Moore and myself in coming weeks.”"

More from Marvel Cinematic Universe

• Loki season 2 finale does set the stage for Kang Dynasty
• Marvel: (Spoiler) exits Avengers: The Kang Dynasty
• Will Loki air a new bonus episode tonight? (November 16, 2023)
• What If…? season 2 gets premiere date (and there’s a major twist)
• Marvel rumors hint Pedro Pascal has been cast in key Fantastic Four role

Aside from the return of Killmonger, the sequel was also rumored to feature the Marvel Cinematic Universe debut of Prince Namor. This report was fueled even further after many believed Avengers: Endgame featured an Easter egg alluding to the character.

With Black Panther scoring critical acclaim and over $1.3 billion worldwide, it was not surprising when a sequel was reported to be in development, with Coogler returning to the director’s chair. Still, it’s understandable that the project isn’t as far along as some assumed. Marvel Studios typically puts three years of time between films in a franchise. There are exceptions, as is the case with the Spider-Man franchise, but this was on Sony’s insistence.

There are still a number of possibilities for Black Panther’s second solo outing. Aside from Killmonger, T’Challa has other enemies that could show up in the sequel. Characters like Achebe and Venomm are still fair game, and Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia could even take on her villainous alter ego, Malice.

There’s no telling what Ryan Coogler has planned for the film, but it’ll be interesting to see what he has in store for the King of Wakanda’s next adventure.