Daniel Kaluuya Will Not Appear in the ”Black Panther” Sequel

Daniel Kaluuya at the
Daniel Kaluuya at the "Queen & Slim' BAFTA film screening. Photo by Andrew Walker/BAFTA/Shutterstock (10472628c)

Forever has come early for Daniel Kaluuya. The star of Judas and the Black Messiah will not be returning to the MCU for the Black Panther sequel. 

Following the massive success of the Marvel flick, which earned $1.3 billion at the global box office and became the first-ever superhero film nominated for an Academy Award, it was only natural that a sequel would follow. Ryan Coogler again assumed the director’s chair, with many stars expected to reprise their roles.

But with the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever just months away, it has been confirmed that it won’t feature Kaluuya. 

The 33-year-old actor played W’Kabi—the head of security for the Border Tribe and best friend of King T’Challa. While Kaluuya was asked to return, schedule conflicts caused by his appearance in the upcoming horror film by Jordan Peele, Nope, prevented him from doing so. 

The Oscar winner is, of course, not the only notable cast member who will be missing when Wakanda returns to the big screen. Chadwick Boseman, who played the titular character, unexpectedly passed away from colon cancer in 2020, with producers choosing not to re-cast the role of T’Challa out of respect. Instead, the sequel will focus on Princess Shuri, played by Letitia Wright. 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is scheduled for release on November 11.