David Jonsson cast as new Black Panther in third film
David Jonsson will play T'Challa's grown son as the new Black Panther in Ryan Coogler's third Black Panther film, Marvel Studios announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The movie is set for theaters on December 15, 2028, with Letitia Wright and Winston Duke returning.
Key Takeaways
- David Jonsson joins the MCU as the new Black Panther in Coogler's third film.
- He plays Prince T'Challa II, the son of T'Challa introduced as a child in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
- Marvel set an exclusive theatrical release for December 15, 2028.
- Wright (Shuri) and Duke (M'Baku) appeared with Coogler for the Hall H reveal.
- Deadline reports the film will be shot entirely on larger-format celluloid, a first for the MCU.
Who is David Jonsson playing in Black Panther 3?
According to Marvel.com, Coogler cast Jonsson as the franchise's next titular hero. Variety reports he will portray Prince T'Challa II, T'Challa's son, as the character comes of age after his childhood introduction in Wakanda Forever.
On stage, Coogler said the prior film introduced the son of the character Chadwick Boseman played, adding that in the next movie "he grows up [and] he comes of age." Deadline identifies the role as Toussaint, also known as T'Challa II, first shown via Lupita Nyong'o's Nakia in the sequel's post-credits scene.
Jonsson, known for The Long Walk and Alien: Romulus, received a standing ovation. He thanked Coogler, Kevin Feige, and the Marvel team, saying he wanted "the screen [to] do the talking."
When does Black Panther 3 come out?
Marvel confirmed the third Black Panther film will arrive in theaters on December 15, 2028. The date was unveiled during Marvel Studios' Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where Coogler said he is returning to direct.
Wright reprises Shuri and Duke returns as M'Baku. Deadline also notes Denzel Washington is in the cast, as previously announced, and that Coogler revealed the movie will be shot entirely on larger-format celluloid film—described as a first for the MCU.
Why does this casting matter for Wakanda's future?
The announcement answers a major MCU question: who carries the Black Panther mantle after Boseman's death and Wright's turn as Shuri in Wakanda Forever. By aging up T'Challa's son, Coogler ties the new hero to Boseman's legacy while shifting the saga toward a coming-of-age story about Wakanda's next generation.
For more celebrity casting and franchise alerts, follow BlasterPost celebrity breaking news. With a 2028 release window and Coogler back behind the camera, Jonsson's debut as Black Panther is now one of Marvel's most closely watched upcoming pivots.