Since the passing of Chadwick Boseman, the original Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there has been calls to recast T’Challa – but why do some now call for Ryan Gosling to take on the role?
Earlier this year saw a wave of Black Panther fans share their support for Marvel to recast T’Challa. An online petition has more than 60,000 in support for T’Challa’s character to be recasted. This was “to honor Chadwick Boseman in the Black Panther franchise.”
As the trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is released at San Diego Comic Con, talk about who could potentially take on the eponymous role resurfaced.
But one name you may not have considered to be thrown into the mix is that of Ryan Gosling.
When did the Ryan Gosling as Black Panther discussion originate?
Shortly after Chadwick Boseman’s passing on 28 August 2020, discussion over who, if anyone, would take on the role of Black Panther arose.
Within one day of his passing, a petition was reportedly created seeking Ryan Gosling to be recast as Black Panther.
Made in poor taste and judgement, there was inevitable push back on this petition due to its timing. But it didn’t stop the idea of Ryan Gosling as Black Panther being planted in some fans’ minds. In the years since, Marvel fans have returned to the joke that Ryan Gosling will take on the role. It has only been exacerbated with the release of the new Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer.
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Ryan Gosling as Black Panther memes revived as new trailer drops
The first trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever addresses the loss of T’Challa, and subsequently Chadwick Boseman. However, it does not suggest who takes over the role in the new film.
We are teased with a second-long clip of someone wearing the suit, and brandishing claws. The footage is suggesting one of the characters will take on the role, but who is it? Film chiefs are keeping quiet as to give away any clues.
Following on from the long-running joke that Ryan Gosling will be the one in the suit, memes have flooded Twitter:
Who could be wearing the Black Panther suit in the new trailer?
Some internet users might be trying to fool you into thinking Ryan Gosling is an actual contender for the new Black Panther, but there are some credible theories which are floating around online.
The leading theory is that T’Challa’s sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright) will be the one in the suit. In the comics, Shuri assumes the role of Black Panther while T’Challa is placed in a coma by Doctor Doom. In the original comics, it is known that Shuri possesses all of the capabilities of the Black Panther. Therefore, it appears she is suitable for the role.
Another theory put forth posits that Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) could take on the role, inspired by her late love’s heroism.
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Kevin Feige reacts to Ryan Gosling being in MCU
Although Gosling’s name has come up with fan chatter, he was discussed by the film’s producer at this year’s Comic Con.
After Saturday’s event (23 July), Kevin Feige addressed recent revelations that Gosling expressed interest to join MCU as Ghost Rider.
Speaking to MTV News after the panel, Feige said: “Ryan’s amazing… I’d love to find place for him in the MCU.” He also called the actor’s desires to play Ghost Rider “unbelievable.”