SAN DIEGO — Marvel Studios delivered one of the biggest reveals of San Diego Comic-Con, announcing rising British actor David Jonsson as the new Black Panther in the upcoming Black Panther 3.
The announcement was made during Marvel’s Hall H presentation by director Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. Jonsson, best known for his standout roles in HBO’s Industry, Rye Lane, and Alien: Romulus, will portray an adult Prince T’Challa II (also known as Toussaint)—the son of the late King T’Challa, originally played by Chadwick Boseman.
The film is officially slated to hit theaters on December 15, 2028.
A Coming-of-Age Story for T’Challa’s Son
Jonsson took the stage in Hall H alongside Coogler and returning franchise stars Letitia Wright (Shuri) and Winston Duke (M’Baku) to a standing ovation and chants of “Wakanda Forever” from the crowd.
Coogler explained that the third installment will chronicle Prince T’Challa II coming of age and stepping into his father’s shoes. The character was first introduced as a child living in Haiti with his mother, Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), during the mid-credits scene of 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
”Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and the privilege and the blessing to join. I actually don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking. But believe me, the honor is entirely mine.”
— David Jonsson
Passing the Mantle
The casting marks a major narrative turning point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Following Chadwick Boseman’s tragic death in 2020 from colon cancer, Marvel opted not to recast the role of King T’Challa directly. Instead, Wakanda Forever saw Shuri assume the mantle of the Black Panther to defend Wakanda.
Jonsson’s adult portrayal of Toussaint signals a time jump within the MCU, positioning a new generation to carry forward both the Wakandan throne and the heroic legacy established by Boseman.
The first two Black Panther films grossed a combined $2.1 billion globally at the box office, with the original 2018 film securing a historic Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. Production details for Black Panther 3 remain under wraps, but Marvel confirmed the feature will be shot in 70mm format for IMAX screens.
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