David Jonsson Takes the Black Panther Mantle for Marvel’s 2028 Sequel

Wakanda’s next chapter comes into focus

Marvel Studios has cast David Jonsson as the adult son of T’Challa and the titular hero of the third “Black Panther” film, due in theaters on December 15, 2028. Director Ryan Coogler unveiled the actor during Marvel’s Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, where Jonsson received a standing ovation.marvel +1

Jonsson will play Prince T’Challa II, also known as Toussaint, who was introduced as a child in the closing scene of 2022’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Coogler said the new film will follow the character as he grows up and comes of age, giving the franchise a direct generational bridge to Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa.marvel +1

A succession story with familiar guardians

Letitia Wright will return as Shuri, while Winston Duke is back as M’Baku and Coogler will again direct. Wright inherited the superhero identity in “Wakanda Forever” after Boseman’s death in 2020, making Jonsson’s arrival less a simple recasting than another step in a succession story already built into the films.variety +1

Wright said she has a personal connection to Jonsson and described his casting as “beautiful.” She also suggested that Shuri now has wisdom and guidance to pass to her nephew, while teasing a playful dynamic between them.ew Denzel Washington is also attached to the cast, and the production is expected to be shot entirely on large-format celluloid film, a first for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.deadline

A breakout actor inherits a valuable franchise

The role gives Jonsson, 32, his biggest studio showcase after appearances in HBO’s “Industry,” the romantic comedy “Rye Lane,” “Alien: Romulus” and “The Long Walk.” Onstage, he thanked Coogler, Marvel chief Kevin Feige and the franchise’s cast, but said he wanted to let the screen do the talking.marvel +1

The commercial stakes are substantial. The 2018 original earned about $1.3 billion worldwide and became the first superhero movie nominated for the best-picture Oscar; its sequel took in more than $850 million globally.hollywoodreporter +1 The third installment is scheduled to arrive after “Avengers: Secret Wars,” leaving room for Marvel’s broader multiverse storyline to explain how the young prince reaches adulthood.hollywoodreporter

For Marvel, the casting resolves years of speculation over who would ultimately carry the name associated with Boseman’s celebrated performance. It also preserves Shuri’s importance rather than erasing her tenure: Wright remains part of “Avengers: Doomsday,” set for release before the Wakanda sequel, while the next film can center a younger T’Challa without portraying him as his father’s replacement.ew +1