Updated

Updated · Variety · Jul 26

Winston Duke Backs David Jonsson as T'Challa II in Black Panther 3, Set for Dec. 15, 2028

Updated

Updated · Variety · Jul 26

Winston Duke Backs David Jonsson as T'Challa II in Black Panther 3, Set for Dec. 15, 2028

Q: Who is Denzel Washington playing in Black Panther 3, and will his mysterious character threaten Wakanda's new generation of leadership?

Denzel Washington’s role in “Black Panther 3” has not been publicly revealed, and there is no confirmed evidence yet that he will play a villain or threaten Wakanda’s next generation of leaders. What is confirmed is that Washington is attached to the film in an undisclosed part, marking his MCU debut. Marvel’s Comic-Con tease and follow-up reporting identified David Jonsson as Prince T’Challa II, the older version of T’Challa and Nakia’s son, indicating the story will shift toward Wakanda’s future leadership. Ryan Coogler is returning to direct, with Winston Duke back as M’Baku and Letitia Wright expected to return as Shuri. That has fueled speculation that Washington could play a major political, royal or adversarial figure tied to the power transition in Wakanda. But neither Marvel nor the filmmakers have announced his character name, background or alignment. So, for now, any claim that he will endanger Prince T’Challa II, Shuri or Wakanda is unverified. The clearest reading of the available information is that “Black Panther 3” is being positioned as a generational handoff story. Whether Washington becomes a mentor, rival, elder statesman or outright threat remains one of the film’s biggest open questions ahead of its scheduled Dec. 15, 2028 release.

3 articles · Updated · Variety · Jul 26

David Jonsson will play Prince T'Challa II in “Black Panther 3,” with Winston Duke publicly endorsing the casting and saying he trusts both Jonsson and director Ryan Coogler.
Duke said he wants to give Jonsson the same welcoming environment he received on the first “Black Panther,” framing the handoff as part of continuing Chadwick Boseman’s legacy.
Ryan Coogler is returning to direct the third film, while Letitia Wright is set to reprise Shuri as Marvel used San Diego Comic-Con to tease the sequel.
The franchise remains one of Marvel’s biggest: the 2018 original grossed $1.3 billion worldwide and won three Oscars, while Duke said strong fan trust is still driving MCU interest.