Marvel Studios has finally revealed who will inherit the mantle of the Black Panther, confirming that British actor, David Jonsson will step into one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most significant roles, playing the grown up son of the late Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa in the upcoming Black Panther III.

The announcement came during Marvel’s much anticipated panel at San Diego Comic Con, where studio boss Kevin Feige and returning director, Ryan Coogler took to the stage to confirm the long awaited threequel. Jonsson, 32, joined Coogler alongside cast members Letitia Wright, who reprises her role as Shuri, and Winston Duke, who returns as M’Baku, for the emotional reveal that had fans erupting into cheers and chants of Wakanda from the crowd.

The character Jonsson will portray was first introduced as a young child at the end of 2022’s Black Panther Wakanda Forever, when it was revealed that T’Challa had secretly fathered a son, Prince T’Challa II, with Nakia before his passing. That film had shifted its central focus to Shuri taking up the Black Panther mantle following the real life death of Boseman, who died in 2020 at age 43 after a private battle with colon cancer. Rather than recasting the role Boseman made iconic, Marvel chose to honour his legacy by writing his death into the story. Now, roughly four years later, the studio is moving the saga forward by ageing up T’Challa’s son into adulthood, with the new film expected to follow his journey as he comes of age with his eyes set on Wakanda’s crown.

Jonsson, a BAFTA Rising Star winner recognised for his work on HBO’s Industry and his role in Alien Romulus, expressed deep gratitude on stage, thanking Marvel for welcoming him into what he called an incredible family. Coogler, who directed both previous instalments in the franchise, confirmed he is returning once again to direct and co write the film, which will also feature Denzel Washington in a role reportedly written specifically for him. Black Panther III is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 15, 2028, and will be shot entirely on 70mm celluloid film, a first for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Photo Credit: Variety