Ryan Coogler has officially confirmed that Black Panther 3 will be his next film, marking the director’s return to Wakanda after months of speculation.
Coogler’s Announcement
Speaking at Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles event on November 15, 2025, Coogler revealed that he is already hard at work on the third installment of Marvel’s Black Panther saga. When asked directly about the project, he joked: “If it was anybody but you, I would say, ‘I can neither confirm or deny.’ But we’re working on it hard. Yeah, it’s the next movie.”
The confirmation ends nearly a year of rumors surrounding the franchise’s future, which intensified after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) closed with Shuri (Letitia Wright) stepping into the mantle of the Black Panther following the death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020.
Wakanda’s Place in the MCU
Marvel Studios has not yet released plot details, but Coogler’s announcement ensures that Wakanda will remain central to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) beyond Phase 6. Several characters from the franchise—including Shuri, Namor (Tenoch Huerta), and M’Baku (Winston Duke)—are already slated to appear in upcoming crossover films like Avengers: Doomsday. Coogler’s return guarantees continuity and creative vision for the trilogy’s conclusion.
From Sinners Back to Marvel
Coogler’s confirmation comes just months after the release of his supernatural thriller Sinners, a Southern Gothic tale set in the Mississippi Delta. The film allowed him to step outside blockbuster territory before returning to Marvel. “I feel blessed that each film I’ve written has reached audiences globally,” Coogler said, reflecting on his career trajectory.
Legacy of the Franchise
The Black Panther films have been both critical and commercial juggernauts, grossing over $2.1 billion worldwide and earning multiple Academy Award nominations. The original 2018 film was hailed as a cultural milestone, while Wakanda Forever carried the emotional weight of Boseman’s absence and introduced new dynamics within Wakanda’s royal family.
What’s Next
While Marvel has yet to announce a release date, Coogler’s statement makes clear that Black Panther 3 is moving forward as his immediate priority. Fans can expect more details once Marvel unveils its updated Phase 6 slate, but for now, the director’s words have reignited excitement: Wakanda’s story is far from over.
In short: Ryan Coogler has confirmed that Black Panther 3 is officially happening—and it’s his next movie.
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