Black Panther 3 Has Found King T'Challa's Successor, And I Love This Casting Choice So Much

Marvel Cinematic Universe fans have known for some time now that Black Panther 3 is in the works. However, Ryan Coogler – the film franchise’s director and co-writer – has been keeping details on the threequel tightly under wraps. Fans have now been treated to some news, though, as the film has now officially been announced, and an actor has been cast to play the late King T’Challa’s successor. If you ask me, this box office hit of a film series just struck gold with this particular piece of casting.

Coogler appeared at San Diego Comic-Con during Marvel Studios’ panel in Hall H, which CinemaBlend attended. The Oscar-winning filmmaker confirmed that the third Black Panther movie would be released on December 15, 2028 and that he would direct it. And, now, for the even bigger news: up-and-coming actor David Jonsson is officially joining the cast as T’Challa II, the OG franchise lead’s son. Apparently, the young man will come of age in the upcoming Marvel movie and take on the mantle of the titular hero.

David Jonsson stars in The Long Walk.

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Others seem to be excited about this casting as I am. At least, that’s the feeling I get based on the warm reception Jonsson received after he was introduced in Hall H. Check out CinemaBlend’s video of the big moment:

Anyone who’s not familiar with Jonsson at this point should really know his name, as he’s put in some great work in just a few years. The British star made his feature film debut in the 2022 rom-com Rye Lane before landing scene-stealing roles in 2024’s Alien: Romulus and 2025’s The Long Walk. Jonsson oozes charisma and is instantly likable as a result. He also has a regal demeanor, which is obviously perfect due to the fact that he’s playing a prince. Marvel has cast some great actors before, but I think this could be one of its best pickups.

Anyone who’s not familiar with Jonsson at this point should really know his name, as he’s put in some great work in just a few years. The British star made his feature film debut in the 2022 rom-com Rye Lane before landing scene-stealing roles in 2024’s Alien: Romulus and 2025’s The Long Walk. Jonsson oozes charisma and is instantly likable as a result. He also has a regal demeanor, which is obviously perfect due to the fact that he’s playing a prince. Marvel has cast some great actors before, but I think this could be one of its best pickups.

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What’s particularly interesting about this casting is that for more than a year now, BP-related rumors have been swirling around other actors, mainly Damson Idris. The F1 star, however, was being asked about playing a version of T’Challa Sr., with many believing he’d play a variant in one of the upcoming Avengers movies and not just BP3. While Idris has been cheeky when responding, he expressed appreciation to those wanting to see him take over the aforementioned role from the late, great Chadwick Boseman.

There are still plenty of questions to ponder in regard to Coogler’s Black Panther 3. For starters, how much time will have passed since 2022’s Wakanda Forever? After all, T’Challa II (or Toussaint) was only a young child. Or maybe he’ll be aged up after a universe reset of sorts after Avengers: Secret Wars? Exact plot details are also under wraps and, interestingly enough, it’s also unclear who the previously confirmed Denzel Washington is playing.

Despite all that, Ryan Coogler seems excited to make this movie, which he revealed would even been partially shot on 70mm film. Based on this latest announcement, I’d say there still seems to be plenty of life in the Black Panther franchise, and that should come as no surprise, given Coogler’s storytelling prowess. I’m eager to see what he and his collaborators cook up for this latest chapter in the Wakanda-set saga. And, of course, I’ll be watching intently to see what Jonsson brings to this proceedings as well.

Amid the wait for Black Panther 3, stream the first two films in the series using a Disney+ subscription.

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