Ryan Coogler has announced that his next project will be Black Panther 3, marking his return to the celebrated Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise centered in Wakanda. The director confirmed the news while promoting his latest film, sharing that work is already underway on the much-anticipated sequel and positioning Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 as one of Marvel’s primary upcoming films.
Ryan Coogler Speaks Up on the Trilogy’s Final Chapter
During a recent event for his new vampire thriller Sinners, Coogler was asked directly about his involvement with the next Black Panther film. Initially, he joked about his usual reluctance to share updates but soon clarified his stance, confirming his commitment to the project.
“If it was anybody but you, I would say, ‘I can neither confirm or deny,’”
teased Coogler.
“But we’re working on it hard. … Yeah, it’s the next movie.”
— Ryan Coogler, Director
This official acknowledgment comes after online rumors referenced a production listing titled Shadows of Wakanda. Although Marvel Studios has not issued formal statements about the third installment or its title, the timing aligns with Coogler’s own admission of being “deep” into development. The anticipation around the trilogy’s conclusion has only grown, fueled by unconfirmed details spreading rapidly across social media.
Potential New Black Panther and Plot Speculation
Rumors are circulating that Damson Idris could be chosen to portray the new Black Panther in future Marvel crossovers, including Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars. Some speculation points to Idris playing Toussaint, the character introduced as T’Challa’s son in Wakanda Forever. Fans have noticed Avengers concept art depicting a figure believed to be Toussaint, suggesting a significant role for the character in storylines ahead.
Denzel Washington’s Expected Involvement
Denzel Washington has also indicated that he will join Black Panther 3, having revealed in a late 2024 interview that Ryan Coogler was writing a specific role for him. Coogler later confirmed Washington’s potential participation, prompting a wave of excitement and speculation about the veteran actor anchoring the next evolution of Wakanda’s legacy. Discussions continue, but industry observers believe Marvel is seeking a renowned performer to further elevate the franchise.
Honoring Chadwick Boseman and Continuing the Saga
The third chapter in the Black Panther series will build on the narrative foundation established by Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa. Debuting in 2018, Boseman’s performance transformed the Marvel Universe and left an indelible mark through his appearances in Civil War, Infinity War, Endgame, and Black Panther. Coogler has repeatedly spoken about treating this new film as the capstone to the legacy Boseman began.
Details regarding the production’s start date and full casting remain undisclosed by Marvel. Still, with Ryan Coogler publicly stating his involvement, the path forward for continuing the franchise is more certain, and fans are awaiting further updates from the studio.
As Marvel shifts its focus toward this sequel—with noteworthy talents and legacy characters in the mix—the anticipation for Black Panther 3 only continues to escalate. The film’s development signals a significant era ahead for both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Wakandan saga, as audiences look forward to seeing how the story will carry forward Boseman’s legacy and introduce new faces to the franchise.
Ryan Coogler confirms ‘Black Panther 3’ is his next film #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/15OH9hpMPY
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 15, 2025
