Marvel Studios has officially announced that BAFTA-winning British actor David Jonsson will take on the mantle of Black Panther in the third installment of the franchise. Jonsson, 32, will portray the grown son of T'Challa, the iconic character originally played by the late Chadwick Boseman. The casting was unveiled at Comic-Con International on Saturday, marking the first time a new actor has been publicly confirmed for the central role since Boseman's passing in 2020.
Comic-Con Announcement
Director Ryan Coogler, who directed both previous Black Panther films and recently won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his vampire film Sinners, appeared on stage alongside Jonsson, Letitia Wright, and Winston Duke to make the announcement. Coogler shared the emotional significance of the moment: "The last time we got to make a movie, we introduced a character who is the son of the character that the great Chadwick Boseman played. And today, I want to tell you that in this next film, he grows up, he comes of age."
Jonsson, visibly moved, kept his remarks brief: "Thank you to this family that I have the honour and the blessing to join. I don't want to say too much, because I want to let the screen do the talking." The announcement was met with thunderous applause from the audience, reflecting the high anticipation for the next chapter in the Wakandan saga.
Who Is David Jonsson?
Born in London, Jonsson began his career on the West End stage before transitioning to screen. He is best known internationally for his role as Augustus Sackey in the critically acclaimed British drama Industry, where he appeared in the first two seasons. More recently, he starred in the 2025 adaptation of Stephen King's The Long Walk and the sci-fi horror film Alien: Romulus. In 2025, he won the BAFTA Rising Star Award, an industry indicator of emerging talent.
Details on Black Panther III
The film is scheduled for release in US cinemas on December 15, 2028, with a UK date yet to be confirmed. Letitia Wright, who took center stage in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever following Boseman's death, and Winston Duke, who plays M'Baku, are both confirmed to return. The first Black Panther film, released in 2018, won three Academy Awards and remains one of Marvel's most culturally significant productions. The sequel, Wakanda Forever, became a box office hit despite the loss of its lead, grossing over $850 million worldwide. Coogler's return as director ensures continuity in storytelling and visual style.
The casting of Jonsson signals a new direction for the franchise, exploring the legacy of T'Challa through his son. Fans have speculated about the introduction of the character since the mid-credits scene of Wakanda Forever, which hinted at the next generation. With Jonsson's BAFTA recognition and rising profile, Marvel is betting on his talent to carry the iconic role forward.
