Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 has officially moved forward, as filmmaker Ryan Coogler confirmed during a recent Deadline’s Contenders event that the highly anticipated sequel will be his next directorial project. This news excites Marvel fans worldwide, who have been eager to return to Wakanda since the last chapter of the MCU saga.
During the Deadline’s Contenders panel, Ryan Coogler, who recently gained acclaim for his film “Sinners,” spoke directly about work already underway for the third Black Panther installment. Although details about the storyline remain closely guarded, Coogler assured audiences,
“We’re working on it. We’re working hard. It’s next […] Yeah, it’s the next movie.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
This update comes after Coogler’s successful handling of the Black Panther franchise. After T’Challa first appeared in The Russo Brothers’ “Captain America: Civil War,” Coogler took the Marvel universe by storm in 2018. With Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, the original film earned $1.3 billion globally and received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture—a groundbreaking achievement for superhero cinema. The tragic loss of Boseman in August 2020 was addressed with empathy in the sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” as Letitia Wright’s Shuri took on the mantle and navigated personal loss. The film again met critical and commercial success, earning five Oscar nominations and a box office total of $859.2 million. The franchise’s towering legacy means Coogler faces significant expectations for the upcoming film.
Denzel Washington Set to Join the Black Panther Franchise
One of the biggest surprises around Black Panther 3 is the addition of cinema legend Denzel Washington. Rumors had circulated, but Washington confirmed his involvement last year, sharing that Ryan Coogler is developing a role tailored for him. While specifics about his character have not been revealed, Washington discussed his future plans, stating,
“I don’t know how many more films I’m gonna make. Probably not that many. I wan to do things I haven’t done. I played Othello at 22 and I’m about to play Othello at 70. After that I’m playing Hannibal. After that I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther. After that I’m gonna do the film Othello. After that I’m gonna do King Lear. After that I’m gonna retire.”
– Denzel Washington, Actor
Ryan Coogler himself has expressed strong enthusiasm for collaborating with Washington, describing him as a living legend and a vital inspiration. Coogler commented,
“Yeah, I’ve been dying to work with Denzel, man, and I’m hoping we can make that happen. I have every intention on working with him in that movie. As long as he’s interested, man, it’s gonna happen. You know, he’s a living legend, and a great mentor for so many of us. He’s all about looking out for us now.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
This casting decision places Washington alongside talented returning actors and promises to deepen the legacy of a franchise already known for groundbreaking ensemble performances.
The Ongoing Legacy of the Black Panther Series
The Black Panther films have established themselves as a cultural touchstone since T’Challa’s first appearance, introducing Wakanda to both fans and newcomers of the MCU. Chadwick Boseman’s performance as T’Challa remains deeply revered, and his untimely death brought profound changes to the series. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” seamlessly integrated this loss by giving greater focus to Shuri, portrayed by Letitia Wright, and exploring themes of grief, leadership, and legacy.
The sequel also maintained an impressive cast including Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, and Danai Gurira as Okoye. Reviews praised the film for its emotional depth and world-building, which have now set the stage for the franchise’s next evolution with Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3.
Expectations are running high for what Ryan Coogler, collaborating with both established stars and new icons like Denzel Washington, will deliver in this next outing. Marvel fans hope to learn more plot details soon, as the team works to make sure that Black Panther 3 honors its predecessors while reaching new heights.
With its continued embrace of new talent and commitment to its legacy, the next Black Panther film is poised to leave another indelible mark on the world of superhero cinema.
