Almost 50,000 people have signed a petition to recast T’Challa in future “Black Panther” films.

Chadwick Boseman originated the role of T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but tragically passed away from colon cancer in August of 2020. Kevin Feige later announced that they would not recast the character but would continue the “Black Panther” series.

Many fans think this was the wrong decision, however, pointing to the character’s importance to Black history. The petition states:

“If Marvel Studios removes T’Challa, it would be at the expense of the audiences (especially Black boys and men) who saw themselves in him. That also includes the millions of fans who were inspired by the character as well.”

“By not recasting, it could stifle the opportunity for one of the most popular, leading Black superheroes to add on to their legacy. The #1 way to kill a legend, is to stop telling their story.”

“#RecastTChalla is not a call to replace Chadwick Boseman. (No one could ever do that.) It is not asking for an immediate replacement either. Nor is this calling for the prevention of other characters to take up the mantle of Black Panther like Shuri or anyone else. This petition is merely asking to continue the portrayal of T’Challa in the MCU. #RecastTChalla is a call to fulfill the role that Chadwick Boseman worked so hard for the world to see.”

Marvel has not announced how T’Challa would be absent from the next film in the series, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” but it’s assumed he will have died off-screen.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is to resume filming in January 2022 after a pause due to actress Letitia Wright, who portrays Shuri, being injured on set. There have been calls to recast Shuri as well due to Wright’s controversial statements about vaccines and other issues.

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