Marvel Studios has ended years of speculation about the future of the Black Panther mantle.

David Jonsson Will Play T’Challa’s Son

Wakanda has found its next protector, as David Jonsson has been cast as the adult son of T’Challa in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Black Panther 3.

Marvel revealed the casting during its Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige welcomed returning writer and director Ryan Coogler to the stage, where he was joined by Letitia Wright and Winston Duke.

The group confirmed that Black Panther 3 will be released in theaters on December 15, 2028. Coogler then introduced Jonsson as the MCU’s new Black Panther.

Jonsson became visibly emotional as the Hall H audience welcomed him to the franchise.

“I want to say thank you so much,” Jonsson said. “Thank you, Ryan. Thank you, Kevin Feige. Thank you to this amazing family that I honor, it’s a privilege and blessing to join.”

“I don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking, but believe me, the honor is entirely mine,” he continued.

Jonsson is not replacing the late Chadwick Boseman as the original T’Challa. Instead, he will portray that character’s son, who was introduced during the final scene of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Disney audiences may recognize Jonsson as Andy, the malfunctioning synthetic who accompanied the crew of young colonists in 20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus. He also portrayed Pete McVries in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Long Walk.

Black Panther 3 will give Jonsson his largest franchise role to date and place his character at the center of Wakanda’s next generation.

Ryan Coogler, who directed and co-wrote the first two Black Panther films, will return to direct the third installment. Denzel Washington is also expected to appear in a role written specifically for him by Coogler, though Marvel has not revealed his character.

No plot details or additional casting announcements have been released. Marvel’s official Comic-Con recap identifies Jonsson as the new Black Panther and confirms the December 2028 theatrical release.

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