Black Panther 2 Could Face Delays Over Letitia Wright’s Vaccination Status

The upcoming Black Panther sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever could face filming delays due to the vaccination status of one of its lead actors. Letitia Wright, who plays the Black Panther T'Challa's sister Shuri, has faced intense backlash for being vocally against the Covid vaccine. Production had been underway in Boston until Wright sustained an injury on the set in late August. Wright flew back to her native London to recover, and production continued in Atlanta, shooting what they could without her. Director Ryan Coogler stated last week that the crew had shot all the footage they could without their star, Wright.

Several big-budget Hollywood studio productions require some form of vaccine mandates for their employees. A typical vaccine mandate is for "Zone A," which includes principal cast and background actors (who are both unmasked on-camera or sometimes in a hair and makeup chair) and crew who work close to them. Some productions have stated they refuse to work with anyone unvaccinated, especially amid federal mandates from the Biden administration.

According to THR, Wright's return from London for filming may result in the production being delayed. New guidelines from the Center for Disease Control have created a unique situation for Wright and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. When Wright returns (projected to be 2022) to Atlanta, her being unvaccinated may cause the production to be delayed due to new CDC guidance. On November 8th, the CDC enacted new rules that require all non-immigrant, non-citizen air travelers to the US to provide proof of being fully vaccinated before boarding a plane. Wright is a British citizen. There has been no comment from Disney nor further statement from Wright's UK rep regarding the potential impediment. Wright's rep only spoke of her injury and eventual return.

“Letitia has been recovering in London since September from injuries sustained on the set of Black Panther 2 and is looking forward to returning to work early 2022. Letitia kindly asks that you keep her in your prayers.”

Several stars have begun exiting projects that require them to be vaccinated. Ice Cube recently turned down $9 million by refusing to vaccinate for Sony's comedy Oh Hell No. General Hospital star Ingo Rademacher was let go from his long-standing role on the show for not getting the mandated vaccine. Wright previously made headlines for reports of being anti-vax on the set of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which she denied in an Instagram post. After Chadwick Boseman's passing, Wright was rumored to be the sequel's lead, so her continued refusal will force action from the production.

Because of her importance to the film, it is unlikely Wright will be let go from the production or exit on her terms. The options seem to be Wright getting vaccinated or the production moving elsewhere. Some studios allow religious exemptions to be claimed for unvaccinated individuals, but this rarely ends up being the case. It is far more likely that the film will face even more delays as negotiations are made between Wright and the studio. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently still set for a November 11th, 2022 release date.

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Source: THR