Marvel Studios has officially unveiled David Jonsson as the next Black Panther during its panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.
The 32-year-old English actor will portray T’Challa’s adult son in Black Panther 3, which is scheduled to hit cinemas on Dec. 15, 2028. The upcoming sequel will follow the young heir’s journey as he comes of age and steps into his legacy.
Director Ryan Coogler, who helmed 2018’s Black Panther and 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will return to direct and co-write the third instalment.
The original Black Panther, T’Challa, was portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman, who died from colon cancer in 2020 at the age of 43 while Coogler was working on the sequel.
Following Boseman’s death, Coogler rewrote Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to centre on T’Challa’s sister, Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, who ultimately became the new Black Panther. Wright is set to reprise her role in the third film.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed in late 2024 that a third Black Panther movie was in development. It was later revealed that Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington had also joined the cast, with Coogler saying he specifically wrote a role for the Hollywood veteran.
“I’ve been trying to work with him since day one,” Coogler previously said. “I think he’s the greatest living actor.”
The third Black Panther film will be shot on 70mm film and is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on Dec. 15, 2028.
