Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's filming is reportedly being delayed again due to a surge in the omicron COVID-19 variant on the Atlanta set. The film acts as a sequel to the 2018 hit Marvel Cinematic Universe title that introduced audiences to the world of Wakanda and its titular hero and his family. However, development on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was rocked in mid-2020 when star Chadwick Boseman died from his battle with colon cancer and co-writer/director Ryan Coogler was left to figure a new plan forward for the film.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will see Letitia Wright return as T'Challa's scientist younger sister Shuri and will reportedly serve as the new lead for the film in the absence of Boseman, though it's currently unclear whether she will take over the titular mantle. Alongside Wright, the film will see the returns of MCU stars Danai Gurira as Okoye, Martin Freeman as CIA agent Everett Ross, Winston Duke as M'Baku, Lupita Nyong'o as T'Challa's former lover Nakia and Angela Bassett as Shuri and T'Challa's mother Ramonda. Production on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever finally kicked off in Georgia in 2021, though it isn't out of the clear yet for its problems.

Related: Black Panther 2 Letitia Wright Controversy Explained

The Hollywood Reporter has published a new report of major productions currently affected by the recent surge of the omicron COVID-19 variant across the country. One such production is Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which has reportedly delayed production again as several cast and crew members have tested positive for the virus, including Lupita Nyong'o. Sources report that filming had restarted last week and is only expected to be delayed by a week before getting back underway.

Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia in Black Panther

The omicron-related Black Panther: Wakanda Forever filming delay marks the latest speed bump the MCU sequel has encountered in trying to get off the ground. Outside of the infamous loss of Boseman during its development, the film has suffered multiple production stoppages as star Letitia Wright has suffered multiple injuries shooting stunt sequences, including a fractured shoulder and concussion just prior to the new year. There were also conflicting reports of the young star expressing anti-vaccination views on the film's set and her concerns of getting the shot creating the possibility of hindering her return.

Ultimately, Wright would be confirmed by Marvel to return and reportedly be set for the lead of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with Duke's M'Baku also reportedly receiving an expanded role and pay raise for the sequel. While the new delay is certainly a further concern for the film's development, it should be noted that the report states filming is expected to resume again within a week and a previous report noted that the film only has four weeks left of shooting. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently set to hit theaters on November 11.

More: Marvel's Next 6 Movies Are All MCU Sequels: Why That's A Problem

Source: THR

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