Black Panther TV series: Danai Gurira may return as Okoye

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Among the many Marvel TV shows in development for Disney+ is one centering around the Kingdom of Wakanda, the mysterious and highly advanced African nation first introduced in Captain America: Civil War. Like most things Marvel, plot details for the Wakanda series are being kept under wraps, but it would seem as though one familiar face will be returning for the series.

In THR's recent listing of Hollywood's top entertainment lawyers was the news that Danai Gurira had signed a deal to "not only reprise her role as Okoye in the upcoming Black Panther sequel but also in an origin spinoff series for Disney+." Nothing has been confirmed by Marvel or Disney just yet, but other outlets (such as Collider) have confirmed it for themselves. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Okoye is the General of the Dora Milaje, the elite organization of women who serve as Wakanda's special forces. THR's mention of the series being an origin story is interesting; perhaps it will chart Okoye's rise to the top of the Dora Milaje?

The Wakanda Disney+ series will be developed by Black Panther director/co-writer Ryan Coogler, who is also returning for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. "Ryan Coogler is a singular storyteller whose vision and range have made him one of the standout filmmakers of his generation," said Disney's Bob Iger when the project was announced. "With Black Panther, Ryan brought a groundbreaking story and iconic characters to life in a real, meaningful, and memorable way, creating a watershed cultural moment. We’re thrilled to strengthen our relationship and look forward to telling more great stories with Ryan and his team." As far as the Black Panther sequel goes, production on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is gearing up to kick off later this year, but after the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman, it remains to be seen how it will address Boseman's character of T'Challa. The film is set for a July 8, 2022 release.