We’re officially heading back to Wakanda!
On Saturday, July 25, Marvel Studios confirmed at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H panel that “Black Panther 3” will arrive in theaters on December 15, 2028, closing out the trilogy Ryan Coogler started in 2018 with the late Chadwick Boseman.
Coogler announced the film, emphasizing that the third installment will focus on the legacy of Black Panther and introduce a new version of the superhero that was absent in the 2022 sequel.
The original “Black Panther,” starring Boseman as the beloved leader of Wakanda, grossed $1.3 billion worldwide and became the first superhero film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film took home three Oscars, including Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and Best Original Score.
Following Boseman’s 2020 death from colon cancer, “Wakanda Forever” was released in 2022 and brought in $859 million.
Although the release date for the third entry in the Black Panther trilogy is still more than two years away, the Marvel universe is already buzzing. Here’s what we know so far.
Release Date
Fans have been waiting for the next chapter in the Black Panther saga for years following the 2022 release of Wakanda Forever, and the newly announced 2028 date will mark roughly a decade since the original film debuted. The December release aligns with Marvel’s strategy, as previous titles like “Avengers: Doomsday” (December 2026) and “Avengers: Secret Wars” (December 2027) served as major year-end tentpoles for the Multiverse Saga.
Ryan Coogler Returns As Director
Fresh off an Oscar win for Best Original Screenplay with “Sinners”, Coogler returns to the director’s seat for the third chapter of the trilogy. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed that Coogler would continue to lead the series he built from the ground up during Saturday’s panel.
Shot Entirely on Large-Format Film
During the panel, Coogler confirmed the film will be shot on 70mm film, marking one of the largest-format productions for Marvel Studios. While additional production details have not been released, the choice signals a ???????, cinematic experience.
The Black Panther Returns
The biggest moment of the panel came with the reveal that British actor David Jonsson, known for his role as Andy in “Alien: Romulus,” has been cast as the new Black Panther. He will play a grown-up Toussaint, also known as T’Challa II, the son of T’Challa and Nakia who was introduced as a child in the closing moments of “Wakanda Forever.”
The crowd reacted with shock as Jonsson addressed them following the announcement, expressing gratitude for joining what he called an amazing creative family.
Who Else Is Returning To Wakanda
Letitia Wright, who temporarily took on the mantle of Black Panther in “Wakanda Forever,” returns as Shuri, the princess of Wakanda and the scientific force behind protecting the kingdom.
Winston Duke, who was also present at the panel, will reprise his role as M’Baku, the leader of the Jabari Tribe.
What We Can’t Confirm… Yet…
While it is confirmed that Toussaint will follow in his father’s footsteps as Black Panther, the film’s central plot remains under wraps. Fans are still waiting to learn how Boseman’s legacy will be woven into the story alongside the introduction of his son.
Lupita Nyong’o was not present at Comic-Con, leaving her return as Nakia, Toussaint’s mother, uncertain.
Rumors have also circulated that Denzel Washington may have a role in the film, reportedly created specifically for him by Coogler. However, neither Marvel nor Coogler has confirmed his involvement or revealed any details about the potential role.
Stay tuned for more.
