Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 is officially moving forward, as Coogler has confirmed that the highly anticipated sequel will be his next feature film, following speculation around the project’s timeline and cast. The announcement, made during a Deadline Contenders panel, clarifies Coogler’s immediate directorial plans amid his busy schedule with other projects and addresses recent rumors stirred by earlier casting hints.
Coogler Sets Plans for the Next Black Panther Film
After a successful period working on the horror film “Sinners,” Ryan Coogler publicly shared that Black Panther 3 is his next cinematic focus. The sequel had been subject to rumors, particularly after Denzel Washington, reportedly considered for a role, accidentally hinted at the project. During a recent panel event, Coogler dispelled any doubt about his next move toward returning to Marvel Studios’ Black Panther franchise.
Coogler remarked on the development during a Deadline Contenders conversation, addressing confusion caused by his ongoing involvement with the upcoming revival of the X-Files series. While some speculated that his television commitments could push back Black Panther 3, Coogler has made it clear that the sequel takes priority.
I would say…we’re working on it hard…Yes, it’s the next movie.
— Ryan Coogler, Director
Marvel Cinematic Universe Connections and Cast Hints
With the release of two prior Black Panther films, Coogler has shaped a unique space for Wakanda in Marvel’s cinematic universe, also producing related series like Ironheart and Eyes of Wakanda, the latter expanding Marvel’s mythology by introducing a new iteration of Iron Fist. The most recent film saw Shuri picking up the Black Panther mantle after her brother T’Challa, while M’Baku ascended to a leadership position in Wakanda. Namor, the Submariner and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first on-screen mutant, was also introduced, setting foundations for new conflicts and alliances in future films.
Although the core cast—including Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Tenoch Huerta—is expected to take part in forthcoming ensemble films like The Russo Brothers’ Avengers: Doomsday, questions remain regarding the returning and new faces in Black Panther 3. One major speculation point is which character Denzel Washington might play; whether he joins as an ally to Wakanda or as an adversary is still under wraps.
The Road Ahead for Wakanda’s Story Arc
Marvel Studios is orchestrating an interconnected slate of event movies—such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Secret Wars, and a planned X-Men reboot—that may influence Wakanda’s future trajectory. In comics, Wakanda’s expansion into the Intergalactic Empire storyline suggests possibilities for cosmic adventures and appearances on multiple planets, potentially providing a broader canvas for the third film’s narrative.
The reveal at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in which T’Challa was shown to have a secret son, could factor into the plot of the next sequel. Simultaneously, rumors have swirled online about F1 actor Damson Idris possibly being cast as a new variant, reignited after being photographed with Angela Bassett—who received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda—while she was in costume at a major fashion event. These developments have prompted speculation about new directions and character arcs for the franchise’s future.
Implications for the Marvel Franchise and What Comes Next
As anticipation grows for Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3, the evolving cast, storyline potential, and connections to other Marvel Studios productions ensure that the next chapter in Wakanda’s saga remains highly anticipated. The full plan for the third film is still unfolding, with fans, cast, and industry insiders eagerly awaiting official news about the narrative direction, cast additions, and the scope of its impacts on the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe. Confirmed as Coogler’s next directorial project, Black Panther 3 signals both a continuation and potential evolution of one of the MCU’s cornerstone stories.
Ryan Coogler confirms ‘Black Panther 3’ is his next film #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/15OH9hpMPY
— Deadline, Event Reporter
Updates will follow as more concrete information becomes available about Ryan Coogler’s direction for Wakanda’s cinematic journey and the roles key figures like Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Denzel Washington, Tenoch Huerta, Angela Bassett, and potentially Damson Idris, will play in Black Panther 3 and beyond.
Ryan Coogler confirms ‘Black Panther 3’ is his next film #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/15OH9hpMPY
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 15, 2025
Damson Idris and Angela Bassett (as Queen Ramonda) walking together during the Vogue World parade, fueling rumors that he’s the new Black Panther! 👀 pic.twitter.com/IbLC12pftV
— MCU Portal (@MCU_Portal) October 27, 2025
