Ryan Coogler confirms “Black Panther 3” as his subsequent movie
Ryan Coogler is formally returning to Wakanda. After venturing into supernatural Southern horror with Sinners—a mission that had him battling vampires and weaving social commentary into the Mississippi Delta—Coogler is about to step again into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Followers have anticipated affirmation for months, and now the two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker has made it clear: Black Panther 3 is his subsequent film.
Talking through the Sinners panel at Deadline’s Contenders Movie: Los Angeles, Coogler revealed to Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr. that he’s actively engaged on the third installment. In typical Coogler vogue, he initially tried to play coy, joking, “If it was anyone however you, I’d say, ‘I can neither affirm or deny.’” However he shortly adopted with the road followers had been ready for: “We’re engaged on it laborious… Yeah, it’s the subsequent film.”
This affirmation ignites new pleasure for the way forward for Wakanda, particularly after Black Panther: Wakanda Without enddelivered an emotional, franchise-shifting tribute following the lack of Chadwick Boseman. Now, with Coogler steering the ship as soon as once more, long-awaited questions in regards to the franchise’s route might quickly be answered.
Denzel Washington’s Potential Function Sparks Even Extra Anticipation
One of many greatest bombshells surrounding Black Panther 3 didn’t come from Marvel, Disney, or Coogler—however from Denzel Washington himself. In November 2024, whereas selling Gladiator II in Australia, Washington casually revealed that Coogler was “writing an element for me.”
On the time, followers had been uncertain whether or not this was a slip, a tease, or a real reveal. However through the Contenders panel, Coogler confirmed that Washington is certainly being thought of for a task within the movie. This potential casting could be monumental: Washington is considered one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, and his addition to the MCU—particularly in a Coogler-directed movie—could be an enormous milestone for each the franchise and Black cinema.
Washington has lengthy been related to conversations round Black Panther. His son, John David Washington, had been floated in fan circles as a potential T’Challa recast within the years following Boseman’s dying, although Marvel made it clear the character wouldn’t be reinterpreted. Now, seeing Denzel Washington step into Wakanda, even in a brand-new position, seems like a full-circle second.
A Legacy Rooted in Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa
To grasp the burden behind Black Panther 3, it’s important to revisit the legacy that started with Chadwick Boseman. Boseman first appeared as T’Challa in 2016’s Captain America: Civil Conflict, immediately changing into one of many MCU’s most beloved characters. The 2018 Black Panther characteristic movie not solely elevated Boseman into international stardom but in addition shattered box-office information and cultural obstacles. Directed by Coogler, the movie was a trailblazing celebration of African futurism, Black id, and highly effective storytelling.
Boseman reprised the position in Avengers: Infinity Conflict and Avengers: Endgame, persevering with to embody the character’s noble spirit. However his dying in August 2020 from colon most cancers left the world surprised. Coogler and the Marvel workforce made the choice to not recast T’Challa, as a substitute honoring Boseman’s position as singular and irreplaceable.
Black Panther: Wakanda Without end, launched in 2022, turned a deeply emotional meditation on grief, legacy, and resilience. The movie centered round Wakanda navigating life with out its king, with Letitia Wright’s Shuri in the end taking over the mantle of Black Panther. It served as each a continuation of the franchise and a heartfelt tribute to Boseman’s affect on movie and followers around the globe.
The place Black Panther 3 Suits Into Marvel’s Evolving Future
Marvel Studios has spent the previous couple of years reconfiguring its long-term MCU plans, and Black Panther 3 now stands as one of many franchise’s most essential upcoming entries. With Coogler returning and Shuri at the moment holding the Black Panther title, there are a number of potential instructions the story may take:
Shuri’s Continued Evolution
Wright’s portrayal of Shuri has grown from comic-relief genius to emotionally layered hero. The third movie may discover her stepping totally into the position of Wakanda’s protector—or doubtlessly passing it on.
M’Baku’s Function as King
By the tip of Wakanda Without end, M’Baku (performed by Winston Duke) issued a problem for the Wakandan throne. Whether or not he’s formally the brand new king is a thread many followers wish to see explored.
T’Challa’s Son
The mid-credits reveal that T’Challa had a son, Toussaint, opens the door for a future generational arc. Whereas he’s at the moment too younger to take the mantle, Black Panther 3 might lay additional groundwork for his future.
A New World Menace
With Namor launched within the second movie, Black Panther 3 may increase Wakanda’s geopolitical conflicts even additional—particularly because the MCU shifts focus towards grounded, Earth-based narratives.
And naturally… there’s the thriller of who Denzel Washington may play.
The Coogler Impact: Why Marvel Wants Black Panther 3
Coogler is considered one of Marvel’s most trusted administrators, and his connection to the Black Panther franchise is unparalleled. His movies stability blockbuster vitality with grounded emotional storytelling, social commentary, and cultural depth. In a time when the MCU has confronted criticism about artistic route and cohesion, Coogler’s return represents a stabilizing drive.
Extra importantly, the Black Panther franchise is considered one of Marvel’s most culturally vital creations. It has served as an emblem of Black empowerment and Afrofuturist creativeness, and every installment carries a duty that extends past box-office efficiency.
Coogler’s affirmation that the movie is in energetic growth reassures followers that Wakanda’s story will proceed with the identical coronary heart and integrity that outlined the primary two chapters.
A Triumphant Return to Wakanda Is On the Horizon
With Sinners wrapped and publicity for that mission underway, Coogler is shifting his full artistic vitality again to the MCU. His enthusiasm through the Contenders panel, mixed with the surprising Denzel Washington casting tease, alerts that Black Panther 3 is shaping as much as be probably the most anticipated Marvel releases of the last decade.
Whereas many particulars stay beneath wraps—together with the plot, returning forged, villain, and timeline—one factor is for certain: Coogler is “engaged on it laborious,” and Wakanda’s subsequent chapter is formally in movement.
After years of grief, transition, and hypothesis, followers can lastly look forward with pleasure as considered one of Marvel’s strongest cinematic legacies prepares to proceed.
