AfterChadwick Bosemandied in 2020,Black PantherdirectorRyan Cooglerwasn’t sure whether he wanted to return for a sequel.

In fact, he wasn’t sure if he ever wanted to make another movie again.

I was like, ‘Man, how could I open myself up to feeling like this again?'"

Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER..L to R: Director Ryan Coogler on set with Chadwick Boseman

Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman on the set of ‘Black Panther’.Matt Kennedy/Marvel Studios

Both Coogler and Marvel Studios presidentKevin Feigehavereiteratedthat they never wanted to recast the role of T’Challa.

Instead, a different character will take up the Black Panther mantle inWakanda Forever.

For them to do their best work, they have to believe in it.

At the end of the day, the choices we make have to feel truthful to me.

And I will argue that those projects don’t have a shot at working."

For more onBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever,readEW’s cover story on the film here.