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We have a feeling this is going to be somewhat controversial…

According to reports, thousands of Black Panther fans have launched a petition to recast the late Chadwick Boseman’s character, King T’Challa, in Marvel’s upcoming Black Panther sequel.

The petition was posted on Change.org by E-Man’s Movie Reviews, asking “for the President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, Co-President Louis D’Esposito, and Writer/Director Ryan Coogler to reconsider their decision, and recast the role of ‘T’Challa’ in the Black Panther franchise.”

Movie bosses previously said that T’Challa would not be recast, in honor of the late actor…

“I want to acknowledge the devastating loss of a dear friend and a member of our Marvel Studios family. Chadwick Boseman was an immensely talented actor and inspirational individual who affected all of our lives both personally and professionally,” President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige previously said.

“His portrayal of T’Challa, the Black Panther, is iconic, and transcends any iteration of the character from any other medium in Marvel’s past. It is for that reason that we will not recast the character.”

However, many Black Panther fans are insisting that recasting Chadwick Boseman’s iconic role as T’Challa – i.e. the first Black superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – might perhaps be the biggest honor of all…

“As the first Black superhero in mainstream comics and the MCU, T’Challa is literally Black history. He was created in 1966, during the Civil Rights era, to be the embodiment of positive Black representation,” the petition reads.

“His character was also instrumental in uplifting Black female characters such as Storm, the Dora Milaje, and his own sister Shuri. There is no more positive form of representation in Black culture than strong Black men and women supporting one another.

“T’Challa’s character was only scratching the surface with his story in the MCU, and there is so much more left to tell.”

We definitely see where those leading the petition are coming from!

“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,” the petition continues.

“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.”

Where do you stand? Should T’Challa be recast in honor of Chadwick Boseman and the legendary character he created? Or do you agree with the studio’s original decision?

Black Panther II is currently slated for release on July 8, 2022.