British-Nigerian actor David Jonsson has been cast as the new Black Panther, ending years of speculation over who would inherit the mantle following Chadwick Boseman’s death in 2020.
Marvel Studios announced the casting during its Comic-Con panel, where director Ryan Coogler also confirmed that Black Panther 3 will open in cinemas on Dec. 15, 2028. The film marks Coogler’s return to the franchise following the success of his Oscar-winning film, Sinners.
Rather than replacing Boseman’s T’Challa, Jonsson will portray Prince T’Challa II, the late king’s son. The character was introduced as a young boy, named Toussaint, at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and will now take centre stage in a coming-of-age story as he grows into the Black Panther mantle.
Speaking at Comic-Con, Coogler described the upcoming film as a story about legacy and growth, following the young prince’s journey into leadership.
A BAFTA Rising Star Award winner, Jonsson has steadily built his career through acclaimed performances in Industry, Rye Lane, Alien: Romulus, The Long Walk, and Wasteman.
Coogler also revealed that Black Panther 3 will be shot entirely on large-format celluloid film, marking the first Marvel Cinematic Universe feature to use the format.
Letitia Wright will reprise her role as Shuri, while Winston Duke returns as M’Baku. Denzel Washington is also joining the franchise in an undisclosed role, marking his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut.
The Black Panther 3 announcement capped Marvel Studios’ Comic-Con presentation, which also featured updates on Avengers: Doomsday and confirmed Ryan Gosling’s casting as Ghost Rider in a forthcoming Marvel project.
