Although Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed Black Panther 3, fans eagerly anticipate its arrival, knowing the franchise’s director, Ryan Coogler, plans to follow up his recent works with a new installment. Among the most exciting developments is the confirmed involvement of Denzel Washington, whose black Panther role could mark a transformative chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Washington, renowned for his powerful performances in films such as Philadelphia, Malcolm X, and Training Day, recently confirmed his participation while promoting Gladiator II. The exact details of his character remain unknown, but various Marvel Comics characters have emerged as potential candidates well-suited for his talents. This article explores five possibilities for the role Denzel Washington could take on in Black Panther 3, each offering unique narrative opportunities within the evolving MCU.
Potential as Marvel’s Dark Joker: Achebe
Among the most popular theories is that Washington may portray Achebe, a character created by Christopher Priest and Mark Texeira. Achebe echoes the chaotic villainy of the Joker, one of the most iconic comic book antagonists. Given Washington’s history of both heroic and villainous roles, the idea of him embracing a complex antagonist like Achebe is compelling.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever concluded Marvel’s Phase 4 with hints at future storylines, possibly laying groundwork for darker, more intricate conflicts. Achebe is known in comics for his cunning and madness, having allegedly made a pact with Mephisto, a demonic entity. Since Ryan Coogler was involved with the Ironheart series, which introduced Mephisto, this connection may be a deliberate setup for Achebe’s arrival. Washington’s portrayal could bring an intense, unpredictable presence to the franchise, presenting a villain with depth and layered motivations.
A Philosophical Mentor: Changamire’s Role in Wakanda’s Future
Another angle suggests Washington could play Changamire, a character born from the minds of Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze. Changamire is a philosopher who opposed Wakanda’s monarchy and was exiled for his anti-establishment views. Rather than a villain, he could serve as a mentor or ideological catalyst in Black Panther 3, challenging traditional power structures.
Given Coogler’s interest in exploring Wakanda’s political and cultural shifts, Changamire offers a lens through which the film might question the legitimacy of monarchy as Wakanda transitions under the current ruler, Shuri, who has ceded the throne to M’Baku. Washington’s gravitas would give weight to a character advocating change and reconciliation, providing a thought-provoking balance to themes of loyalty and revolution.
Tetu: A Revolutionary Force with Magical Powers
Tetu, introduced in a Black Panther miniseries by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze, offers a darker, more revolutionary figure suited for Washington’s range. As a former student of Changamire, Tetu leads a rebellion in Wakanda, driven by a goal to punish the corrupt elite who exploit vulnerable populations. His approach is violent and uncompromising, reflecting the complexities of social justice taken to extremes.
Tetu is also a magician capable of manipulating nature and creating portals through time and space. This ability aligns well with recent MCU developments involving Doctor Strange and magic, potentially enriching the visual and narrative elements of Black Panther 3. Washington’s depiction of Tetu could emphasize nuance, contrasting the character’s cynicism with the younger generation’s optimism, especially among Wakandans such as Shuri.
Exploring Wakandan Legacy: T’Chanda or Azzuri the Wise
Marvel and Coogler appear interested in expanding the history of Wakanda and its leaders, including past Black Panthers. T’Chanda, also known as Azzuri the Wise, was Wakanda’s protector during World War II. This character, created by Roy Thomas and Herb Trimpe, could feature in flashbacks or astral plane scenes, portrayed by Washington to deepen the MCU’s historical narrative.
‘Eyes of Wakanda,’ an upcoming animated series produced by Coogler, will explore various generations of Wakandan heroes, tying into this theme. The video game Marvel: 1943, set for release in 2026, also highlights T’Chanda’s meeting with Captain America, signaling Marvel’s intent to flesh out this era. Positioning Washington as this Black Panther would layer Black Panther 3 with a dual narrative structure, reminiscent of The Godfather Part II’s parallel storytelling between Michael Corleone and his father, Vito Corleone. Here, Washington’s role would bridge Wakanda’s past and present, enhancing the depth of the Wakandan saga.
Gentle: Wakanda’s Complex Mutant Powerhouse
A less conventional but intriguing possibility is Washington portraying Gentle (Nezhno Abidemi), a mutant with vibranium tattoos who can dramatically increase his muscle mass to superhuman levels. Created by Craig Kyle, Chris Yost, and Mark Brooks, Gentle is unique because, despite his power to rival the Hulk, he is a pacifist and suffers serious health risks from using his abilities.
As Black Panther 3 is expected to release in 2028 during Phase Seven of the MCU—potentially called The Mutant Saga—Gentle’s inclusion could signal a broader integration of mutants beyond the traditional X-Men reboot. This route could introduce a powerful but reluctant hero, grappling with the costs of his strength, fitting Washington’s ability to portray complex, morally layered characters while expanding the MCU’s mutant mythology.
The Significance of Washington’s Casting in the MCU
Denzel Washington’s confirmed role in Black Panther 3 represents a crucial moment for the MCU’s evolution. His involvement could infuse the franchise with new depth, intensity, and gravitas, whether he assumes the mantle of a villain, mentor, historical figure, or mutant hero. Each potential character offers unique ways to expand Wakanda’s story and address broader themes like leadership, revolution, and legacy.
The parallels drawn between Black Panther 3 and The Godfather Part II suggest a sophisticated narrative that weaves together past and present, highlighting the lineage of Wakandan rulers and the consequences of their decisions. With Ryan Coogler at the helm and innovative storytelling paths on the horizon, the film may redefine the MCU’s direction similarly to how The Godfather Part II reshaped its genre.
Fans can expect Washington’s Black Panther role to be a pivotal part of Marvel’s future, enhancing the cinematic universe’s landscape with his incomparable talent and elevating the franchise’s storytelling scope toward more mature, compelling explorations of power and identity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Denzel Washington’s health condition?
A. “A few months back, I accidentally bit almost half of my tongue,” Washington explained. “This is impacting how I talk,” he continued. “Now, I have to speak more slowly and still use my tongue.”
Q. What addiction did Denzel Washington have?
A. At 60, he quit drinking after consistently consuming alcohol for 15 years, beginning in the late 1990s. Washington mentioned he wasn’t addicted, but he drank almost every day for more than ten years.
