Superhero movie fans will officially return to the world of Wakanda. Marvel Studios announced Black Panther III at Comic-Con on Saturday, 25th of July, confirming that British actor David Jonsson will play the lead role.
Jonsson, known for his performances in the HBO television series Industry and the 2025 film The Long Walk, will play the son of T’Challa—the original Black Panther portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman. The film is scheduled for release on December 15, 2028.
Boseman, who rocketed to global fame with 2018’s Black Panther, died in 2020 at the age of 43 after a private battle with colon cancer. His passing left a profound void in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the franchise has since navigated how to honour his legacy while continuing the story of Wakanda.
Marvel made the announcement with Jonsson appearing in front of thousands of fans at Comic-Con’s legendary Hall H.
“Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honour and the privilege and the blessing to join,” Jonsson told the crowd. “I actually don’t want to say too much because I want to let this screen do the talk,” he added, keeping details about the plot under wraps.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler, who directed the first two Black Panther films, will return to helm the third instalment.
“Today is extra special,” Coogler said, joining Jonsson and Marvel executive producer Kevin Feige on stage. Coogler told the audience that Black Panther III will follow T’Challa’s son as he comes of age and follows in his father’s superhero-sized footsteps.
The first Black Panther film grossed US$1.3 billion upon its release in 2018, becoming a cultural phenomenon. It starred Boseman alongside a cast that included Michael B. Jordan, who won this year’s Best Actor Oscar, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Forest Whitaker, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright. Many of these actors reprised their roles in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), and speculation continues over which cast members will return for the three-quel.
