Disney has started producing the television franchise of the “Black Panther” which is set in a fictional kingdom of Wakanda in Africa as a part of a five-year deal with the famous director Ryan Coogler, reported AFP. 

Originally a movie released in 2018 as a part of the Marvel superhero franchise, Black Panther became the first comic book turned movie to be nominated for the prestigious Oscars in the category of the best picture. The movie, which featured the recently deceased Chadwick Boseman, generated over $1 billion globally. 

The movie was also celebrated as a landmark Hollywood project for paving the way for African American representation in the industry as most of the star cast represented the Black community, including the director, Ryan Coogler.  

Also Read: ‘Saved By The Bell’ fame Dustin Diamond dies of cancer

Bob Iger, the executive chairman of Disney said in a statement, “Ryan Coogler is a singular storyteller whose vision and range have made him one of the standout filmmakers of his generation. With ‘Black Panther,’ Ryan brought a groundbreaking story and iconic characters to life in a real, meaningful and memorable way, creating a watershed cultural moment. We’re thrilled to strengthen our relationship and look forward to telling more great stories with Ryan and his team”, reported AFP. 

The untitled Wakanda series is the latest in a huge raft of Disney+ television shows set in the world of the record-grossing Marvel superhero films.

The Black Panther television series is the latest to be announced amongst a huge list of Marvel films which are all set to be their own individual TV series. 

“WandaVision” was the first spin-off of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to air on TV screens and is currently available for users on Disney+. Other such projects which are in the production pipeline are “Iron Heart”, “Secret Invasion” and “Armor Wars”. 

“WandaVision,” the first new release in the Marvel franchise “universe” for almost two years due to delays caused by the pandemic, is currently airing on Disney+.

Also Read: ‘Dangerous man’: Actor Evan Rachel Wood accuses Marilyn Manson of years of abuse

The pioneering Boseman’s lead role in “Black Panther” will not be recast in the sequel film following his death in August from colon cancer, the company has announced. 

Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios said, “His portrayal of T’Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends any iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past — and it’s for that reason that we will not recast the character” reported AFP.