Nearly six years after the death of Chadwick Boseman, Marvel Studios has revealed the actor who will carry the Black Panther legacy forward in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Oscar-winning filmmaker, Ryan Coogler, announced at the San Diego Comic-Con that David Jonsson has been chosen to portray the next Black Panther in the upcoming Black Panther 3.
The announcement has generated widespread reactions online, with many fans welcoming the decision and showing enthusiasm for the continuation of the iconic franchise while honouring Boseman’s unforgettable contribution to the role.
Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed the development during Marvel Studios’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. The duo revealed that the third instalment of the Black Panther series is officially moving ahead, with a new actor stepping into the central role.
David Jonsson will play T’Challa, the son and namesake of Chadwick Boseman’s original character. Black Panther 3 is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 15, 2028.
“Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honour and privilege and the blessing to join,” David Jonsson said from the stage as the audience screamed and cheered, with some sections breaking out in Wakanda chants.
The upcoming film will explore the journey of Prince T’Challa II as he transitions into adulthood after being introduced as a child in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Ryan Coogler will return as director, while Leticia Wright is expected to reprise her role as Shuri and Winston Duke will return as M’Baku.
Chadwick Boseman was originally set to return as the lead character in a planned sequel before his death in 2020 following a private battle with colon cancer. After his passing, Marvel reshaped the storyline, placing greater focus on Leticia Wright’s Shuri, who inherited the Black Panther mantle following the death of her brother T’Challa.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was released in 2022 and earned more than $850 million worldwide. The film received five Academy Award nominations and won one Oscar, while Angela Bassett made history as the first performer nominated for an Academy Award for a role in a Marvel film.
The first Black Panther movie debuted in 2018 and became a global box-office success, earning $1.3 billion worldwide. The film featured Chadwick Boseman, Leticia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Forrest Whitaker, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira and Angela Bassett. It received seven Oscar nominations, including a historic Best Picture nomination, becoming the first superhero film to achieve that milestone. The movie won three Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and Best Original Score.
