The MCU’s new gets an explanation from Kevin Feige.
After the heartbreaking loss of Chadwick Boseman in 2020, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) explored the impact of his character, T’Challa, and saw Shuri (Letitia Wright) become the new Black Panther. Now, Black Panther 3 is officially happening with Ryan Coogler returning to direct. At San Diego Comic-Con, it was announced that David Jonsson will play T’Challa’s son in the upcoming film.
In an interview with ScreenRant, Kevin Feige discussed Michael B. Jordan becoming the new Black Panther and how the decision was made. The president of Marvel Studios explained that they’ve known for almost six months now, and director Ryan Coogler strongly supported Jordan taking on the role.
Feige reveals that the casting was kept under wraps. He explains that Ryan Coogler met with the actor five or six months prior and immediately knew he was the right choice. Coogler told Feige, ‘This is the guy – I can see it in his soul. He’s a good man, a great man, and he’s going to perfectly embody the Black Panther.’
Feige explained they knew they had something special once Ryan Coogler connected with the material. He added that David’s films are fantastic and believes we’re only starting to understand his full potential.
Kevin Feige hasn’t shared many specifics about Nikkolaj Jonsson’s take on the Marvel character, but he did highlight Jonsson’s impressive ability to keep the casting a secret for six months, until the official announcement. Feige described this as ‘extremely exciting.’
Okay, so at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, we met T’Challa’s son, also named T’Challa, and now we know where the story’s headed! At San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel announced Black Panther 3 is coming to theaters on December 15th, 2028. The film will focus on this younger T’Challa growing up, figuring out what it means to be a prince, and ultimately trying to live up to his father’s incredible legacy and earn the throne of Wakanda. What’s really exciting, though, is that director Ryan Coogler is shooting the whole thing on large-format celluloid film – something no other Marvel movie has ever done! It sounds like they’re really aiming for a visually stunning experience.
Michael B. Jordan is set to reprise his role in Black Panther 3, and Winston Duke will also be returning. Denzel Washington has joined the cast as well, though his character hasn’t been announced yet.
Letitia Wright will reprise her role as Shuri in Avengers: Doomsday, coming out December 18th. This appearance, and the planned Avengers: Secret Wars movie in 2027, are expected to pave the way for Michaela Coel’s character introduction in the next Black Panther film.
Jonsson’s recent success in Hollywood has led to him being cast as the new Black Panther. He impressed audiences in the 2024 film Alien: Romulus and received critical acclaim for his performance in The Long Walk (2025). He’s also well-known for his role in the popular TV series Industry.
Ryan Coogler is riding a wave of success, most recently with his 2025 film Sinners, which earned over $370 million globally and received widespread critical praise. He’s also known for the hugely popular Black Panther movies: the first one from 2018 made $1.349 billion, and Wakanda Forever brought in $859 million.
I’ve noticed a lot of people seem less excited about the Marvel movies lately, and they’re not drawing the same crowds as before. It’s hard to say how the new Black Panther movie will do, honestly. I think the next Avengers films will give us a much clearer picture of what Marvel has planned for the future, but whoever takes over has a lot to live up to!
2026-07-26 18:18