David Jonsson Cast As The New T’Challa In ‘Black Panther 3’

Marvel is heading back to Wakanda, and a new T’Challa is preparing to take his place in the franchise. During Marvel Studios’ presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, Ryan Coogler announced Black Panther 3 will arrive in theaters a few days before Christmas in 2028. David Jonsson has been cast as the adult son of T’Challa and Nakia, taking on a character first introduced as a child at the end of 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Jonsson has emerged as one of Hollywood’s rising stars following roles in Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk. Television audiences may also recognize him as Gus Sackey from HBO’s Industry. His casting places him at the forefront of one of Marvel’s biggest franchises as the younger T’Challa comes of age with his sights set on Wakanda’s throne.

Coogler appeared at Comic-Con alongside Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, Jonsson, Letitia Wright and Winston Duke. Wright is expected to return as Shuri after assuming the Black Panther mantle in Wakanda Forever. Denzel Washington will also join the third film after previously revealing Coogler had written a role for him. Additional casting and story details have yet to be announced.

The upcoming sequel continues a franchise launched by Chadwick Boseman in 2018. The original Black Panther became a global phenomenon, earning $1.3 billion worldwide and becoming the first superhero film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. It ultimately won three Oscars.

Following Boseman’s death from colon cancer in 2020, Wakanda Forever addressed T’Challa’s death while placing Shuri at the forefront of the story. The sequel earned over $850 million worldwide and received five Academy Award nominations, including a historic acting nomination for Angela Bassett. Ruth E. Carter won Best Costume Design for her work on the film.

Coogler will return to direct the third installment, which will reportedly be filmed in 70mm. Black Panther 3 opens December 15, 2028.