Danai Gurira to Star in New Origin Spinoff Series for Disney+
Danai Gurira will reprise her Black Panther role as Okoye in an upcoming origin series by Disney+. Nothing else is known about the spinoff, except director Ryan Coogler will be in charge of the project. Coogler and Gurira will undoubtedly have a busy year between filming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and production for the new series.
Ryan Coogler & Marvel Studios’ Upcoming Black Panther & Wakanda Projects:
— Black Panther: Wakanda Forever News (@bpanthernews) May 27, 2021
– Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (starts filming in July)
– Disney+ series based in the “Kingdom of Wakanda”
– Okoye-led “origin spinoff” Disney+ Series pic.twitter.com/E62jC9OxuK
According to The Hollywood Reporter’s profile of Hollywood’s top lawyers, Gurira’s lawyer Jamie Mandelbaum brokered the actress a deal to have a prominent role in the untitled series. The show will take place in the Kingdom of Wakanda, following the ancient, high-tech society that has become so beloved through Black Panther.
Gurira is known for taking on strong, powerful leads. Long before Black Panther, she played Michonne on The Walking Dead. But after eight years, Gurira put the katana sword down and traded it for vibranium spears. Since she is the first Marvel cast member confirmed to return to the small screen, many wonder if the series will follow the origin story of Okoye. Either way, fans are excited for the return of the Dora Milaje general.
Danai Gurira is set to return as Okoye in a Marvel/Disney + spin off based around the Dora Milaje!
— Nat 🤍 WV || TFATWS era (@Brie_Sparkles) May 27, 2021
Yes! This is what I wanted, to explore their story & Okoye’s story. pic.twitter.com/oxQGGTMtgV
*Marvel announces an Okoye show starring Danai Gurira*
— BLURAYANGEL (@blurayangel) May 28, 2021
Me: pic.twitter.com/T6GLyGmIkT
This is amazing! Danai Gurira is amazing. So excited to get more background on the character of Okoye and have another series to inspire my students. https://t.co/rZM3EoWI51
— Lindsey Mueller(she/her) (@lmuellerTMP) May 27, 2021
Some believe that Okoye might become the next Black Panther, a role that has not yet been filled following Chadwick Boseman‘s death last year. Gurira first played Okoye in 2018 in Black Panther, when she helped T’Challa win back the throne. The actress also appeared in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, ushering in the new age of Marvel.
OKOYE IS GETTING HER OWN DISNEY PLUS SERIES COZ SHES GOING TO GE THE NEW BLACK PANTHER!!! pic.twitter.com/dLCCcZZySm
— 林 (@itslinbaby) May 28, 2021
Though we may not be seeing the spinoff series for some time, fans can get excited about the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, set for release in July 2022.
Writer | @IlanaDavis24
