Michaela Coel has been staking her claim on Hollywood since her recent HBO show I May Destroy You. It got so much buzz, but was snubbed by the Golden Globes. Thankfully it was nominated for many Emmys and has been recognized by the BAFTAs and Independent Spirit Awards, among others. In May Michaela appeared on Variety’s Power of Women in Comedy issue. Michaela has just landed possibly THE opportunity of a lifetime. Variety announced Wednesday that she has been tapped for an undisclosed role in the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sequel. The announcement sent Marvel and Black Panther fans into a frenzy trying to guess what role she will be playing in the Wakandaverse. Below are a few more details vfrom Variety:
Character details are locked up, per usual. Insiders say Coel has joined director Ryan Coogler at Atlanta’s Pinewood Studios, where production began last month. Marvel Studios declined to comment on the matter.
“It’s clearly very emotional without Chad,” Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige told Variety in late June, referring to late star Chadwick Boseman, who died in August 2020 after battling colon cancer. “But everyone is also very excited to bring the world of Wakanda back to the public and back to the fans. We’re going to do it in a way that would make Chad proud.”
While additional cast has not been confirmed, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, Florence Kasumba and Angela Bassett will likely reprise their roles from the original film.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is set for wide release on July 8, 2022.
As I’ve mentioned, I have been following Michaela’s career since her British show Chewing Gum. That show had me laughing for weeks. After watching I May Destroy You, I now know Michaela can do drama well too so it is going to be interesting having her in the MCU. I have been reading all the speculations on which role she will be playing. Many think she will be Orora Munroe aka Storm who does appear in the Wakandaverse. But I am not sure how that would play out as Storm was married to Black Panther and we will not have T’Challa in the sequel. I wonder if they will go with a different timeline in which Orora was in Wakanda. Since the other actors haven’t been confirmed, she could also play an older Shuri and it is possible she could be playing the villainess Madam Slay, but Erik Killmonger (her lover and ally) is also dead. Either way, I know Michaela will show up and show out and I cannot wait to see how she enhances Black Panther. I am hoping she will be the new MCU’s Storm though because I know she will pull off Storm’s fierceness.
The Announcement:
‘Black Panther’ Sequel Casts Michaela Coel (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/eLe67YX8Nr
— Variety (@Variety) July 21, 2021
Some Reactions:
My guesses are Madam Slay, Ororo Munroe, or Aneka.
But I have no idea but I love Michaela Coel joining the MCU. https://t.co/alFHvBLjFF
— always manifesting ✨ (@Steph_I_Will) July 21, 2021
Michaela Coel has been cast in Black Panther 2. she was definitely born to play Madam Slay pic.twitter.com/CPEpVBUdKq
— chu (@chuuzus) July 21, 2021
Michaela coel as storm naurr It’s the FUTURE I CAN SEE
— HOOD VOGUE is tired of poverty (@itskeyon) July 21, 2021
I know Emmy nominee Michaela Coel just got cast for Black Panther Wakanda Forever🔥
She would be the perfect Storm no cap 🧢 pic.twitter.com/Ebcp7akoGO
— EternalsTalks (⊃∪ ∩⪽) (@EternalsTalks) July 21, 2021
Photos credit: Backgrid
She was fabulous in Black Earth Rising!!
That was an amazing mini series that should be watched by everyone I think it’s available on Netflix. I didn’t know the origin of the conflict in that region of the world (Rwandan Genocide). Definitely shows off her ability to do Drama.
Excited to see her in Black Panther Wakanda Forever she is mesmerizing on screen.
I came here to say the same thing: she had such a magnetic presence on screen in that show! Without ever forcing it. So much natural talent. I think she’s going to have an amazing career.
Black Earth Rising was an incredible series. Not enough people have seen it. And Michaela was amazing in it, she has such screen presence.
Because of Wandavision and Loki essentially anything is possible in the multiverse. Like she could be madam slay married to a still alive killmonger who grew up as just Prince Eric of Wakanda. She could be adult Shuri or Storm married to a non-t’challa BP (no one would accept them recasting T’challa but Marvel was always clear that the panther mantle would return)
For all the faults in both wandavision and Loki it really opened the Marvel universe back up and I’m happy b/c I’ll watch anything with her in it.
Storm is my favorite since I was a little girl. I’m not familiar with this actor, but holy hell is she gorgeous.
Yup. She could play any role. If it’s one thing Marvel does without blinking an eye, it’s changing stories/characters to fit their narrative. I mean I’ve read that Hera was actually Loki’s daughter in folklore.
Plus she kicked ass in “I May Destroy You”!
She is magnificent. Great casting choice!!!
There were rumors that she was assuming the role of Shuri, given Letita’s social media troubles. I hope that’s not true!
I like Letitia well enough as Shuri but I’m not sure she can pull off being the next Black Panther, if that’s the direction they’re headed in so I’m all for them bringing in another actor to handle that role.
She’s so amazing, I’m so happy for her!
IMDY haunted me for a long time, and I during my obsession over the show, I found articles about a speech she gave at an event for television. It was incredibly brave and powerful. Let me see if I can find a link…
“The Speech Michaela Coel Made That Was a ‘Hand Grenade’ to British Television”
Transcript and video
https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcasters/michaela-coel-mactaggart-lecture-in-full/5131910.article
This is my first intro to this person, and may I just say I am captivated!
Me too!
She’s striking to look at, isn’t she?
She is an amazing actress, I’m happy she’s getting this big opportunity – hopefully it leads to a wider audience for her work, which is incredible. Plus she is so stunning, it’s going to be glorious to see her in the costumes and all.
This is AMAZING news. She’s incredibly talented and I can’t wait to see where she’ll go in her career.
Michaela Coel is SO supremely talented, this is soo exciting and I can’t wait to see what character she’ll portray. I personally have my fingers crossed for Storm – the X-Men movies have been pretty atrocious for a while, but a new series kicked off with Michaela at the helm as Storm (after the BP sequel)? Take ALL my money!
I discovered her in an episode of “Black Mirror” called “USS Callister,” where she has a supporting role, but she is so vividly drawn I looked her up immediately afterwards and I’ve been following her career ever since. If she’s Ororo/Storm, WOW. But happy to see her getting a splashy commercial gig like this. It’s a good fit.
OOOH Yes! That Black Mirror episode. That role was made for her!
Her face is so regal. She is what I imagine Nefertiti looked like.
I adore her. I loved her in IMDY and just started CG. She has such an expressive face and is so talented. Can’t wait to see what’s next for her.