British actor David Jonsson has officially been announced as the new Black Panther, nearly six years after the death of the franchise’s original star, Chadwick Boseman. The announcement was made during Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where director Ryan Coogler confirmed that Jonsson will lead Black Panther III, scheduled for release on December 15, 2028.
Rather than recasting Boseman’s iconic T’Challa, Marvel is continuing the story through the next generation. Jonsson will portray an adult Prince T’Challa II, the son of T’Challa and Nakia, who was introduced as a child at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The new film will follow the young prince’s coming-of-age journey as he takes up the mantle of Wakanda’s protector.
Speaking after the announcement, Jonsson thanked Marvel Studios, director Ryan Coogler and the cast for welcoming him into the franchise. He described joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a tremendous honour and said he preferred to let his performance “do the talking” rather than reveal too much about the upcoming film.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ryan Coogler will return to direct the third instalment, while Letitia Wright (Shuri) and Winston Duke (M’Baku) are set to reprise their roles. Marvel also confirmed that acclaimed actor Denzel Washington has joined the cast in a role written specifically for him, although details of his character remain under wraps.
The announcement marks a significant new chapter for one of Marvel’s most celebrated franchises. Following Boseman’s death from colon cancer in 2020, Marvel chose not to recast his version of T’Challa, instead honouring his legacy while allowing the Black Panther mantle to pass naturally to a new generation of Wakandan heroes.
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