‘Black Panther 2’ to Film in Georgia Despite and Because of Voting Bill, Director Ryan Coogler Explains
Black Panther 2 director Ryan Coogler speaks out against Georgia’s voting bill SB202 and the need to fight against it by continuing with production in the state this summer. Coogler penned an op-ed for Deadline and other outlets explaining his reasoning and the extensive bill itself signed in March by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Georgia has faced criticism over these guidelines and there have been calls for boycotting productions in the state within Hollywood, but the industry has remained quiet on the matter – until now.
#BlackPanther2 will still film in Georgia despite the state’s “harmful” new voting law, reveals director Ryan Coogler: “Many of the people employed by my film… are the very same people who will bear the brunt…” Full statement: https://t.co/2JGzUrhGto pic.twitter.com/Cv1i6UAwB1
— MCU – The Direct (@MCU_Direct) April 16, 2021
Coogler writes about his “profound disappointment” with the bill, which requires photo ID when voting, shortens the time to request an absentee ballot and makes it more difficult to return ballots. The Op-ed explores the roots of this bill deriving from early Jim Crow laws, as it will affect African Americans ad people of color at a greater rate.
“Our film [Black Panther II] is staying in Georgia. Additionally, I have made a personal commitment to raise awareness about ways to help overturn this harmful bill, and continue to get educated on this matter from people on the ground,” Coogler writes.
Coogler wants to provide people of color – who are disproportionately affected by the new bill – with the opportunity for work throughout production.
The reality is that #BlackPanther2 is providing jobs for people, and navigating this ordeal is not going to be easy. If #MarvelStudios is not careful, they will end up similarly with Disney’s Mulan by filming during a controversial moment in history. https://t.co/0oJ4XkVnDK
— Seeking Media Productions (@SMediaProd01) April 16, 2021
“Having now spoken with voting rights activists in the state, I have come to understand that many of the people employed by my film, including all the local vendors and businesses we engage, are the very same people who will bear the brunt of SB202,” Coogler writes. “For those reasons, I will not be engaging in a boycott of Georgia. What I will be doing is using my voice to emphasize the effects of SB202, its shameful roots in Jim Crow, and doing all I can to support organizations fighting voter suppression here in the state.”
Ryan Coogler will film ‘Black Panther 2’ in Georgia while fighting voter suppression. https://t.co/iBoIqdsnIg
— Complex Pop Culture (@ComplexPop) April 16, 2021
Coogler explains the impact of Hollywood in Georgia, and how pulling out of production would do more harm than good for local communities. His words come just days after American Politician Stacy Abrams’ statement to the industry to “Stay and Fight.”
Stay and fight.https://t.co/FEv5UIZ19E
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) April 14, 2021
Black Panther 2 will begin filming on July 2 under the working title “Summer Break.” Coogler, known for his other directing roles on Creed and Fruitvale Station, is a long-time advocate of the African American experience in The United States. Coogler ended his op-ed piece urging readers to donate Fair Fight Action founded by Abrams.
You can do the same here.
Writer | @IlanaDavis24
