The Black Panther 2 movie could be delayed due to one of its star actresses, Letitia Wright’s anti-vax controversy which reportedly started in December 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how things should be done in the 21st century and since we are all tired of being restricted and staying home, there is a vaccine to help control the severity of the virus.
But it seems some people have issues with the vaccine, they’ve got a lot of doubts about the vaccine and they aren’t backing down with their beliefs even though they’ve got no solid evidence to back their anti-vax claims widely spread on their social media pages.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Letitia Wright might be the reason why the production of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has been delayed as she has refused to get vaccinated against the deadly virus, COVID-19. Look, these anti-vax folks are becoming a pain in the asses of those trying all efforts to kick out or control the spread of the virus.
Via THR:
“Logistical challenges await for studios that are working with stars who haven’t gotten the shot. Disney’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Letitia Wright — who portrays the lead Shuri, the sister of Black Panther T’Challa (the late Chadwick Boseman) — is not vaccinated, sources say. After sustaining an on-set injury in August, the Guyanese-born British actress went home to London.
Now, a return to the U.S. for a possible shoot in Atlanta, where Wakanda Forever is based, could be an issue. On Nov. 8, the CDC implemented rules that require all non-immigrant, non-citizen air travelers to the U.S. be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status before boarding a plane. Wright is not a U.S. citizen. Disney declined to comment.
Wright’s U.K. rep pointed to a statement issued Nov. 5 to THR regarding the actress’ injury, prompting a shutdown of production that will begin the week of Thanksgiving (director Ryan Coogler is said to have filmed everything he can without her). The rep notes: “Letitia has been recovering in London since September from injuries sustained on the set of Black Panther 2 and is looking forward to returning to work early 2022. Letitia kindly asks that you keep her in your prayers.”
Letitia Wright obviously has concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine but then she hasn’t been able to prove her concerns with evidence just like the bunch of anti-vaxxers out there. All they do is speak against the vaccine on their big social media pages without adding proof.
Via ScreenRant:
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Letitia Wright controversy began in December 2020, when the MCU’s Shuri actress shared an anti-vaccination video on Twitter alongside a praying emoji. Presented by Tomi Arayomi, the YouTube video in question takes a strong position against vaccination of any kind – COVID-19 jabs included – but offers no evidence to back up the claims being made. Indeed, Arayomi admits in the clip that he doesn’t medically understand how vaccines work. As if baseless questioning of the COVID vaccine wasn’t enough, others accused the presenter of transphobia and climate change skepticism through his videos, completing the online conspiracy theorist bingo card. Though Letitia Wright deleted the problematic post, her tweet had already been shared thousands of times, and many questioned whether the actress should be using her huge public platform to spread this brand of potentially dangerous misinformation.
In August 2021, reports surfaced concerning an on-set injury sustained by Letitia Wright during the filming of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Though the full extent, nature and circumstances aren’t known, the injuries are said to be minor, and Wright’s representatives have since confirmed their client has been “recovering in London since September.” According to another THR report, Ryan Coogler (director) has spent the past 2-3 months filming as much Shuri-free Black Panther 2 footage as possible, but now finds himself unable to proceed without Letitia Wright’s involvement. As per her official statement, Wright won’t be returning to Black Panther 2 until “early 2022,” which effectively means the MCU sequel has entered production shutdown for at least 2 months.
As things stand, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is dependent on either the US changing its travel regulations, or Letitia Wright getting vaccinated, but there’s no guarantee either is going to happen anytime soon. If both sides refuse to blink, Black Panther 2 might consider filming Shuri’s remaining scenes in the UK. Only those involved will know whether uprooting production is feasible, and the solution is far from ideal, but if Shuri’s part in Black Panther 2 can be completed using green screen and other trickery, a relocation may prove preferable to an indefinite delay waiting for either the government or the actress to change their stance. No doubt Kevin Feige and Ryan Coogler will be assessing their options over Thanksgiving dinner, as any lingering cloud of uncertainty over Black Panther 2 could affect the entire MCU franchise.
From the above reports, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is very likely to be delayed due to United States’ travel regulations and Letitia Wright’s vaccination controversy.
Flip to the next page for Letitia Wright’s reaction to reports that she has refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and her conduct on the set of the movie.
