Ryan Coogler is officially returning to Wakanda. While promoting his new vampire thriller Sinners at Deadline’s Contenders event, Coogler confirmed that Black Panther 3 is his next project. He joked that he would usually avoid giving a straight answer but admitted he’s deep into work on the MCU sequel.
“If it was anybody but you, I would say, ‘I can neither confirm or deny,’” teased Coogler. “But we’re working on it hard. … Yeah, it’s the next movie.”
The confirmation follows a rumored production listing pointing to the title Shadows of Wakanda, which has been circulating online. Marvel hasn’t commented, but the timing lines up with Coogler’s push to begin the trilogy’s final chapter.
Rumors also offer Damson Idris might be playing the new Black Panther in Avengers: Doomsday and/or Secret Wars, possibly as T’Challa’s son, Toussaint, who first appeared in Wakanda Forever. Avengers concept art also features who is thought to be Toussaint (pictured above).
Ryan Coogler confirms ‘Black Panther 3’ is his next film #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/15OH9hpMPY
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 15, 2025
Denzel Washington’s Possible Role
Denzel Washington has also confirmed he is in Black Panther 3. In late 2024, he slipped during an interview that Coogler was “writing a part” for him.
Coogler later acknowledged it, which puts Washington in the mix for a major role as the project moves forward. Nothing is locked yet, but industry chatter suggests Marvel wants a high-profile addition to anchor the next era of Wakanda stories.
Returning to a Franchise Built on Chadwick Boseman
The third film continues the legacy that began with Chadwick Boseman in 2018. Boseman’s T’Challa reshaped the MCU before the actor’s death, with appearances in Civil War, Black Panther, Infinity War, and Endgame. Coogler has said he sees this new installment as completing the trilogy Boseman helped create.
Marvel hasn’t revealed a start date or casting details, but with Coogler openly confirming development, Black Panther 3 is now one of the studio’s next major priorities.
