Fans are still reeling from this year’s untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman, and Marvel Studios has made the wise choice to not try and recast the actor in the role of T’Challa, aka The Black Panther.

Today it was announced that Black Panther 2 would be hitting theaters on July 8, 2022 and that series veteran, Ryan Coogler will be back to direct the next chapter. Here’s the statement on how the film will proceed without Boseman:

Black Panther 2, opening July 8, 2022, is being written & directed by Ryan Coogler. Honoring Chadwick Boseman’s legacy & portrayal of T’Challa, @MarvelStudios will not recast the character, but will explore the world of Wakanda & the rich characters introduced in the first film.