Ryan Coogler has confirmed that Black Panther 3 is officially his next feature. Speaking at the Deadline Contenders event, the director offered his clearest update yet, telling the audience, “Black Panther 3 is next. That’s the one we’re locked in on right now. We’re working on it hard.” The confirmation triggered immediate excitement across social platforms, marking the first on-record acknowledgement from Coogler since discussions about the future of Wakanda began circulating last year.

Marvel has not released an official synopsis or cast list. However, Coogler’s recent statement aligns with industry reporting that Marvel intends to continue the franchise following the global success of Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). The first film earned more than $1.3 billion worldwide and became a cultural landmark, while the sequel brought in $859 million as it navigated the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman in 2020.

What We Know About Black Panther 3 So Far

Marvel Studios has not announced a release date, but multiple trade outlets have reported that the film may arrive after Avengers: Secret Wars. Some listings in production databases reference a working title, Shadows of Wakanda, though Marvel has not confirmed the name. Coogler’s comment about the “responsibility” of continuing the world built across the first two films suggests he remains committed to preserving the emotional foundation of the franchise.

At the same Deadline event, Coogler also acknowledged Denzel Washington’s involvement in the project, which Washington previously mentioned in an interview earlier this year. Beyond that, details remain tightly controlled. Marvel has not commented on casting, returning characters, or plot direction.

Damson Idris Speculation Grows After Viral Appearances

While Marvel has not announced any casting for Black Panther 3, online speculation around Damson Idris has intensified in recent months. Idris has appeared alongside several core members of the franchise, including Letitia Wright and Angela Bassett, in widely shared images that fueled fan theories about a possible role in Wakanda’s future.

A July post showing Idris linked up with Wright, who is the current Black Panther in the MCU, and Idris Elba at a Mercedes event gained significant traction, with fans reading it as a sign of Marvel-adjacent activity.

The speculation grew even louder after Idris appeared hand-in-hand with Angela Bassett during Vogue World: Hollywood in October. Social media users interpreted the moment as a symbolic endorsement, especially after Idris previously gave playful, evasive answers when asked in interviews whether he had spoken with Marvel about joining the franchise.

Damson Idris and Angela Bassett walk hand-in-hand down the Vogue World 2025 runway in elaborate Wakanda-inspired outfits.
Damson Idris and Angela Bassett shine in Wakanda-inspired looks during a standout Vogue World 2025 moment.

Despite the buzz, neither Marvel nor Coogler has commented on Idris’s potential involvement. At this stage, Idris remains a popular fan choice rather than a confirmed addition to the cast. His rising profile following the success of F1 and his public interactions with members of the Wakanda cast continue to drive conversations across social platforms, but the studio’s official lineup for Black Panther 3 has yet to be revealed.

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