Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 discussions are gaining momentum as the acclaimed filmmaker prepares for his next major Marvel project, with the film set to launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s post-Avengers: Secret Wars era in February 2028. As fans and industry insiders question what motivates Coogler to return to Wakanda following Chadwick Boseman’s death, Coogler himself has opened up about the inspiration driving his new vision.
Black Panther Series Achievements and Impact
The original Black Panther, released in 2018, achieved broad critical acclaim and amassed $1.3 billion worldwide, establishing itself as a cultural milestone. Its 2022 sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, continued the franchise’s legacy, earning $859 million globally, a strong achievement for superhero cinema in the challenging post-COVID movie landscape. Ryan Coogler, who also earned acclaim for films like Creed and Sinners, faced significant hurdles after the passing of Chadwick Boseman, yet he decided to return to the iconic franchise.
Coogler’s Unwavering Creative Commitment
Questions about Coogler’s motivations grew after Wakanda Forever, with many wondering why he would revisit such a personal and emotionally charged series. During a recent appearance on the podcast Happy Sad Confused, host Josh Horowitz pressed Coogler about his intentions for the upcoming Black Panther 3. Coogler addressed the speculation directly with heartfelt honesty:
“I’m not making movies to prove anything. I’m telling stories that I want to tell; that I’m obsessed with; that I feel the burning desire to do. [Black Panther 3 is] a movie that I’m incredibly excited about. That’s really the truth of it. [The] opportunity to prove things to myself or prove things about the marketplace now, absolutely.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
He explained how much satisfaction he took from depicting strong Black women facing grief while leading and collaborating with Indigenous American actors in Wakanda Forever:
“I did enjoy making a movie that was essentially about powerful black women who were grappling with grief while trying to do incredibly important jobs, and also starring indigenous American people. I have a good time proving that movie could make $800 million. Absolutely. It brought me great joy to prove that. But that’s not why I was making it.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
Coogler’s connection to the franchise runs deep, extending beyond mere financial success or industry expectations. He described how his filmmaking journey became a personal experience, one that transformed him both as a storyteller and as a person:
“I was making it because I had a story that I was obsessed with. I had an opportunity to do things…I learned how to swim from that movie, bro. I’ve been terrified of the water. I got to live my best James Cameron life. I’m 20 feet in the tank. With a bunch of black and Mexican folks swimming around. That was awesome. I did get a chance to move through an inescapable human emotion of grief, and I get to tell that story to my kids.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
The Vision Behind Black Panther 3
Reflecting on his return, Coogler talked about following his instincts while acknowledging public curiosity over his decision:
“I got [Black Panther 3] on my heart. From the outside looking in, you might say, ‘Man, why is this dude making another one of those?’ That’s totally fine. That’s totally a question that makes sense. I don’t deny that. It’s my job as a filmmaker to show why, it’s my job to answer that question.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
Anticipation for new faces joining the franchise has only increased with Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington confirming his involvement in Black Panther 3. However, Coogler remains careful about revealing how he intends to use Washington in the upcoming film, although his excitement is clear:
“Out of all the 10 billion people on the planet, however many billion we are, I’m gonna be the happiest one, bro,”
he said of how it would feel to direct Washington.
“I’m gonna try [to write him a good part].”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
Wakanda’s Future and What Lies Ahead
The plot for the third installment is being closely guarded, but reports suggest that, after the events of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the focus will likely move to a new T’Challa, with some speculation that the adult version of Toussaint from Wakanda Forever will take center stage. As the franchise shifts into its next phase, names like Chadwick Boseman, Denzel Washington, and Josh Horowitz—along with the ongoing representation of Black, American, and Mexican communities—will remain significant touchpoints for fans.
Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 remains one of the most anticipated projects, poised to usher in a new chapter for Marvel and continue the groundbreaking legacy of Wakanda in global cinema. As Coogler commits deeply to personal and powerful storytelling, fans await more information about what the next adventure will bring—and how the franchise will shape the broader superhero landscape beyond 2028.
