Ryan Coogler confirms that “Black Panther 3” film is in the works [VIDEO]
Ryan Coogler confirms “Black Panther 3” as his next film
Ryan Coogler is officially returning to Wakanda. After venturing into supernatural Southern horror with Sinners—a project that had him battling vampires and weaving social commentary into the Mississippi Delta—Coogler is set to step back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans have anticipated confirmation for months, and now the two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker has made it clear: Black Panther 3 is his next movie.
Speaking during the Sinners panel at Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles, Coogler revealed to Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr. that he’s actively working on the third installment. In typical Coogler fashion, he initially attempted to play coy, joking, “If it was anybody but you, I would say, ‘I can neither confirm or deny.’” But he quickly followed with the line fans were waiting for: “We’re working on it hard… Yeah, it’s the next movie.”
This confirmation ignites new excitement for the future of Wakanda, especially after Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverdelivered an emotional, franchise-shifting tribute following the loss of Chadwick Boseman. Now, with Coogler steering the ship once again, long-awaited questions about the franchise’s direction may soon be answered.
Denzel Washington’s Possible Role Sparks Even More Anticipation
One of the biggest bombshells surrounding Black Panther 3 didn’t come from Marvel, Disney, or Coogler—but from Denzel Washington himself. In November 2024, while promoting Gladiator II in Australia, Washington casually revealed that Coogler was “writing a part for me.”
At the time, fans were unsure whether this was a slip, a tease, or a genuine reveal. But during the Contenders panel, Coogler confirmed that Washington is indeed being considered for a role in the film. This potential casting would be monumental: Washington is one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, and his addition to the MCU—especially in a Coogler-directed film—would be a massive milestone for both the franchise and Black cinema.
Washington has long been connected to conversations around Black Panther. His son, John David Washington, had been floated in fan circles as a possible T’Challa recast in the years following Boseman’s death, though Marvel made it clear the character would not be reinterpreted. Now, seeing Denzel Washington step into Wakanda, even in a brand-new role, feels like a full-circle moment.
A Legacy Rooted in Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa
To understand the weight behind Black Panther 3, it’s essential to revisit the legacy that began with Chadwick Boseman. Boseman first appeared as T’Challa in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, instantly becoming one of the MCU’s most beloved characters. The 2018 Black Panther feature film not only elevated Boseman into global stardom but also shattered box-office records and cultural barriers. Directed by Coogler, the film was a trailblazing celebration of African futurism, Black identity, and powerful storytelling.
Boseman reprised the role in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, continuing to embody the character’s noble spirit. But his death in August 2020 from colon cancer left the world stunned. Coogler and the Marvel team made the decision not to recast T’Challa, instead honoring Boseman’s role as singular and irreplaceable.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, released in 2022, became a deeply emotional meditation on grief, legacy, and resilience. The film centered around Wakanda navigating life without its king, with Letitia Wright’s Shuri ultimately taking up the mantle of Black Panther. It served as both a continuation of the franchise and a heartfelt tribute to Boseman’s impact on film and fans around the world.
Where Black Panther 3 Fits Into Marvel’s Evolving Future
Marvel Studios has spent the last few years reconfiguring its long-term MCU plans, and Black Panther 3 now stands as one of the franchise’s most important upcoming entries. With Coogler returning and Shuri currently holding the Black Panther title, there are several possible directions the story could take:
Shuri’s Continued Evolution
Wright’s portrayal of Shuri has grown from comic-relief genius to emotionally layered hero. The third film could explore her stepping fully into the role of Wakanda’s protector—or potentially passing it on.
M’Baku’s Role as King
By the end of Wakanda Forever, M’Baku (played by Winston Duke) issued a challenge for the Wakandan throne. Whether he is officially the new king is a thread many fans want to see explored.
T’Challa’s Son
The mid-credits reveal that T’Challa had a son, Toussaint, opens the door for a future generational arc. While he is currently too young to take the mantle, Black Panther 3 may lay further groundwork for his destiny.
A New Global Threat
With Namor introduced in the second film, Black Panther 3 could expand Wakanda’s geopolitical conflicts even further—especially as the MCU shifts focus toward grounded, Earth-based narratives.
And of course… there’s the mystery of who Denzel Washington might play.
The Coogler Effect: Why Marvel Needs Black Panther 3
Coogler is one of Marvel’s most trusted directors, and his connection to the Black Panther franchise is unparalleled. His films balance blockbuster energy with grounded emotional storytelling, social commentary, and cultural depth. In a time when the MCU has faced criticism about creative direction and cohesion, Coogler’s return represents a stabilizing force.
More importantly, the Black Panther franchise is one of Marvel’s most culturally significant creations. It has served as a symbol of Black empowerment and Afrofuturist imagination, and each installment carries a responsibility that extends beyond box-office performance.
Coogler’s confirmation that the film is in active development reassures fans that Wakanda’s story will continue with the same heart and integrity that defined the first two chapters.
A Triumphant Return to Wakanda Is On the Horizon
With Sinners wrapped and publicity for that project underway, Coogler is shifting his full creative energy back to the MCU. His enthusiasm during the Contenders panel, combined with the unexpected Denzel Washington casting tease, signals that Black Panther 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Marvel releases of the decade.
While many details remain under wraps—including the plot, returning cast, villain, and timeline—one thing is certain: Coogler is “working on it hard,” and Wakanda’s next chapter is officially in motion.
After years of grief, transition, and speculation, fans can finally look ahead with excitement as one of Marvel’s most powerful cinematic legacies prepares to continue.