Last month Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the highly anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning Marvel Studios blockbuster Black Panther, began production. After the tragic passing of the franchise’s titular star Chadwick Boseman last year, fans are eagerly anticipating seeing how the sequel will not only address and incorporate Boseman’s death into the film while simultaneously honoring his iconic portrayal. Today Variety reported that actress Michaela Coel has joined the cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Not surprisingly given the notorious secrecy of Marvel Studios, the details of Coel’s character are unknown so let the fan speculation begin!

Best known for not only creating but starring in the HBO drama I May Destroy You, for which she’s received four Emmy nominations, Michaela Coel has been on the rise for the last few years.

While Disney has stated they have no intention of ever replacing Boseman as T’Challa, clearly fans don’t have to worry about Wakanda disappearing from the MCU anytime soon. Earlier this year, it was announced that actress Danai Gurira will be reprising her role as Dora Milaje warrior Okoye not only in the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sequel but also as the latest MCU character to receive her own original Disney+ spin-off series.

Moreover, Disney signed an exclusive deal with Black Panther screenwriter/director Ryan Coogler and his company Proximity Media. The deal creates a five-year exclusive agreement between Proximity Media and Disney TV to develop new television series, including one based in the Kingdom of Wakanda.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is scheduled to hit theaters on July 8, 2022. Stay tuned for more updates on both the cinematic sequel to Black Panther as well as what’s coming from Marvel’s streaming series.