Coogler to return as writer-director of ‘Black Panther 2’

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2018 file photo, director Ryan Coogler attends a special screening of "Black Panther" in New York. Coogler will write and direct the sequel to “Black Panther.” Neither a start date nor a release date has yet been announced. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2018 file photo, director Ryan Coogler attends a special screening of "Black Panther" in New York. Coogler will write and direct the sequel to “Black Panther.” Neither a start date nor a release date has yet been announced. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Ryan Coogler isn’t leaving Wakanda: The filmmaker will write and direct the sequel to “Black Panther.”

A person close to the production who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to announce the deal confirmed Coogler’s return to the Marvel franchise on Thursday. The Hollywood Reporter first reported Coogler’s widely expected involvement in the “Black Panther” sequel.

Neither a start date nor a release date has yet been announced.

“Black Panther” earlier this year grossed more than $1.3 billion worldwide, including $700 million domestically — a new record for a Marvel release.

Coogler is also a producer on the upcoming “Creed 2,” a sequel to the Coogler’s 2015 Apollo Creed film.