Marvel has officially chosen the new face of Black Panther. British actor David Jonsson will play the lead role in the third film of the saga, portraying the son of T'Challa, the character made famous by Chadwick Boseman. His casting was announced to thousands of fans at San Diego Comic-Con.
Marvel puts an end to six years of speculation
Since the death of Chadwick Boseman, who succumbed to colon cancer in August 2020 at the age of 43, the future of Black Panther remained one of the major mysteries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The studio had decided not to cast another actor in the role of King T'Challa in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever . Released in 2022, the film recounted the character's death and made his sister Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, the new wearer of the Black Panther suit. Marvel has now made a decision regarding the future of the franchise. David Jonsson will become the new hero of Wakanda, but he will not be playing a new version of the character portrayed by Chadwick Boseman. He will play his adult son.
David Jonsson will play T'Challa's son
The character was revealed in the post-credits scene of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever . Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong'o, introduced Shuri to her son Toussaint, born from her relationship with T'Challa and raised far from Wakanda. The child also explained that his true Wakandan name was T'Challa, like his father's. The third film will follow this young heir as he grows up and must follow in the footsteps of the fallen king. David Jonsson is therefore not tasked with reprising his role as Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa. He will portray T'Challa II, his son, in a story set several years after the events of the second film.
A very emotional presentation at Comic-Con
David Jonsson appeared on stage in Hall H alongside Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, director Ryan Coogler, Letitia Wright, and Winston Duke, who plays M'Baku. Visibly moved, the 32-year-old actor thanked the team for entrusting him with this responsibility : "Thank you to this family that I have the honor and the privilege of joining. I don't want to say too much, because I want to let the screen do the talking. But believe me, all the honor is mine."
Ryan Coogler explained that the film would show T'Challa's son growing up, maturing, and taking up his father's mantle. The director specified that Marvel was looking for an actor capable of carrying this new chapter in the saga without erasing the character created with Chadwick Boseman.
An actor revealed by Industry and Alien: Romulus
Born in London, David Jonsson first gained recognition for his role as Augustus "Gus" Sackey in the television series Industry . He then starred in the romantic comedy Rye Lane before joining the Alien franchise . In Alien: Romulus , released in 2024, he played Andy, an android programmed to protect the character portrayed by Cailee Spaeny. His performance significantly boosted his international profile. He also starred in The Long Walk , an adaptation of the Stephen King novel, alongside Cooper Hoffman and Mark Hamill. His role in Black Panther 3 represents the most significant development of his career.
Letitia Wright and Winston Duke will be back
David Jonsson won't be alone in opening this new chapter. Letitia Wright will reprise her role as Shuri, and Winston Duke will return as M'Baku. Both actors were present at the official announcement in San Diego. Shuri's exact role in this new story has not yet been detailed. At the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , she wore the Black Panther suit, while M'Baku seemed destined to take a central position as leader of Wakanda. The third film will therefore have to explain how T'Challa's son returns to the kingdom and, in turn, assumes the role of Black Panther. Marvel has not yet revealed the identity of the main antagonist or the other characters who will accompany the young hero.
Ryan Coogler remains in charge
Ryan Coogler will direct the film once again, having previously helmed Black Panther in 2018 and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2022. He thus remains responsible for the entire trilogy. The first installment grossed over $1,3 billion worldwide and became the first superhero film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The second film surpassed $850 million in revenue despite the absence of Chadwick Boseman.
A release is planned for December 2028
Black Panther 3 will be released in theaters on December 15, 2028. Marvel has not yet announced the start of filming or the final title of the film. David Jonsson will therefore have more than two years to prepare this highly anticipated sequel. Eight years after Chadwick Boseman's death, Wakanda will officially have a new Black Panther, directly linked to the original hero by his story and his name.
