after about six years Following the death of Chadwick Boseman, Marvel Studios has officially found their next Black Panther. At San Diego Comic-Con, Oscar-winning director Ryan Coogler announced that actor David Johnson will be playing the iconic role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through Black Panther 3.
The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans largely welcoming the decision and expressing excitement at continuing the Black Panther story while carrying on the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman.
New Black Panther announced
Ryan Coogler and Kevin Feige shared this update when he took the stage during Marvel Studios’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. He shared that a third Black Panther film is officially in the works, with a new star playing the title role.
Actor David Johnson is set to play the role of T’Challa, the son and namesake of the late Chadwick Boseman. Black Panther 3 will be released in theaters on December 15, 2028.
“Thank you to this amazing family that I had the honor and privilege and blessing to be involved in,” David Johnson said from the stage, as the audience screamed and cheered, in some parts chanting Wakanda.
The third part of the franchise will follow David Johnson’s character, Prince T’Challa II, as he grows up after being introduced as a child in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In addition to Ryan Coogler returning for the third film, Letitia Wright is reprising her role as Shuri and Winston Duke is reprising his role as M’Baku.
Chadwick Boseman was set to reprise his lead role in a planned sequel before he died in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer. Following his death, the follow-up film’s focus shifted to Letitia Wright’s character Shuri, who took up the mantle of Black Panther following the death of brother T’Challa.
The sequel, Wakanda Forever, hits theaters in 2022 and has crossed the $850 million mark at the worldwide box office. It won the Oscar out of five nominations, with Angela Bassett becoming the first actor to be nominated for an Academy Award for a performance in a Marvel film.
The first Black Panther film was released in 2018, and grossed $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office. The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Letitia Wright. Lupita Nyong’o, Forest Whitaker, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira and Angela Bassett. It earned seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, the first superhero film to do so. The film won three Oscars, including Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score.
fans react
As Marvel prepares to usher in a new era for the Black Panther franchise while paying homage to the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman, the internet is buzzing with reactions to the casting announcement. The reaction on social media has been positive, with many praising Marvel’s choice and expressing excitement over David Johnson stepping into the iconic role.
“They waited until a respectable amount of time, no one is going to be Chadwick and we understand that,” wrote one, adding, “He’s so talented. I’m glad they chose him.”
Another shared, “Waaaahhh that’s really a great choice! He can really act.” One social media wrote, “Wakanda Forever!! 🐾🙅🏾♂️💯”
“I adore this actor…he has some of Chadwick’s familiar mannerisms…he would be amazing,” one fan wrote. “Dude is a really good actor.” One comment read, “Interesting choice, he’s a great actor on The Long Walk so we’ll see how he does in the MCU..! I’m rooting for him..Also don’t forget my son Ryan Coogler!”
One comment said, “David Jonsson as T’Challa’s son feels like a strong move. Looking forward to seeing where they take the story.” Another social media user shared, “A new generation begins. Wakanda Forever.”
One comment read, “David Johnson being cast as Prince T’Challa in Black Panther 3 makes me so happy I could cry!!! I had so many happy tears streaming down my face watching this scene, and it’s such a joy for me to have such an incredibly talented and kind actor be the new Black Panther.”
“I’m sure Chadwick Boseman is looking down and smiling right now,” one wrote, adding, “He deserves this so much. Amazing actor.” One said, “Chadwick’s legacy is in good hands…excited to see him on the big screen.”
David Jonsson was most recently seen in the films: The Long Walk directed by Francis Lawrence and 2024’s Alien: Romulus by Fede Alvarez.