Martin Freeman confirms he’ll reprise his role as Everett Ross in Black Panther 2. Freeman made his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War and was later brought back in Black Panther. He is an ally of T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and all of Wakanda, but there have been no reports of when he would next appear.

The most likely landing spot for Ross’ next appearance long appeared to be Black Panther 2. The sequel was widely considered to be a project that Marvel Studios would quickly turn around to capitalize on the critical, financial, and award-winning success of the first film. While they did confirm Black Panther 2 is in the works, it wasn’t included on the Phase 4 slate. This is expected to make the sequel a Phase 5 film, so details on the project are slim at this point beyond Ryan Coogler returning to write and direct.

Most of Black Panther’s cast should be back for the sequel too, and now we know that Freeman will be among them. During an interview with Collider, Freeman was asked when he is returning to the MCU. He surprisingly gave a straightforward answer, with Black Panther 2 planned as his next appearance.

While Freeman’s return is good news, it’s impossible to say with certainty what Ross’ return means for Black Panther 2’s story at this time. It is unclear as to what size of a role Ross will have this time around, but his presence on any level could help the James Bond-like approach to the Black Panther franchise to continue. Ross could seek out T’Challa for help on a CIA mission or the two could once again cross paths as they pursue the same target. Either avenue could point to Black Panther 2 leaning into the spy genre more, which is something the first film played with.

As far as I know, I will be [returning]. As far as I know, I will be in another Black Panther. That’s my understanding. As to when that will happen, I don’t know.

Since Black Panther 2 won’t hit theaters until 2022 at the earliest, it may still be a while before any official information surfaces on what the film will be about. It will have to address the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame on some level, as T’Challa’s decision to house the Avengers brought an attack on Wakanda and the snap left the nation without a ruler. Plus, there are those underwater earthquakes near Africa that many hope is a reference to Namor and will make him and Atlantis the foes of the sequel. In any case, it hopefully won’t be too long before more details on Black Panther 2 surface.

MORE: Captain America: The Winter Soldier Brought Namor Mythology Into The MCU

Source: Collider

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