It’s official: Marvel Studios has found its new Black Panther, who will play T’Challa’s son in ‘Black Panther 3’

Marvel Studios has just cleared up one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the future of the MCU and Black Panther, one of its most beloved superheroes. David Jonsson will play the new Black Panther in ‘Black Panther 3,’ where he will portray T’Challa II, the son of the King of Wakanda played by the late Chadwick Boseman. Ryan Coogler will return behind the camera as director of the new film, which is scheduled for release in 2028.

T’Challa’s legacy lives on: Marvel confirms which actor will play Wakanda’s new protector

The announcement of both the new film and its lead actor came during the Marvel Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where Kevin Feige and Ryan Coogler confirmed that David Jonsson will portray T’Challa II, the son of the King of Wakanda, whom we first saw at the end of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022). The third installment will focus on the young heir’s journey to becoming Wakanda’s new protector, thus taking up his father’s mantle. ‘Black Panther 3’ will be released on December 15, 2028.

Although he may be a relatively unfamiliar face to many viewers, David Jonsson has spent several years establishing himself as one of the industry’s most promising talents. The British actor rose to prominence thanks to the acclaimed series ‘Industry’ and later starred in ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024), in addition to playing one of the lead roles in ‘The Long Walk’ (2025), the film adaptation of one of Stephen King’s lesser-known novels. Now, Marvel has entrusted him with the responsibility of portraying one of the MCU’s most iconic heroes.

The decision also marks a significant shift in direction for the franchise as it looks toward the future of the MCU, since in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ it was Shuri—played by Letitia Wright—who temporarily took up the mantle of Black Panther following T’Challa’s death. However, Kevin Feige and Ryan Coogler have chosen to center the franchise’s future on T’Challa II, returning the spotlight to the line of succession for the character brought to life by the unforgettable Chadwick Boseman and ushering in a new era for Wakanda without representing a radical shift in its narrative.

With Ryan Coogler returning to the director’s chair and David Jonsson set to take over from Chadwick Boseman, ‘Black Panther 3’ aims to become one of the major highlights of the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The question of who would inherit the superhero’s mantle has already been answered; now it remains to be seen whether the new actor will live up to one of Marvel’s most beloved characters on the big screen.

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