Marvel Studios has officially unveiled British actor David Jonsson as the new Black Panther, marking a major new chapter for one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most beloved franchises.
The announcement was made during Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, where Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige joined returning Black Panther director Ryan Coogler to confirm that Jonsson will take on the mantle in Black Panther 3, scheduled for release on 15 December 2028.
Jonsson will not replace the late Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa. Instead, he will portray Prince T’Challa II – the grown son of the original Black Panther, whose existence was revealed at the end of 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The upcoming film is expected to follow the young prince’s journey as he embraces his legacy and steps into the role of Wakanda’s protector.
During the Comic-Con presentation, Coogler introduced Jonsson to thousands of cheering fans, officially confirming months of speculation about who would inherit the iconic mantle. Marvel later stated that Coogler had introduced Jonsson as the new Black Panther while also confirming the film’s December 2028 release date.
An emotional Jonsson addressed the audience after the reveal.
“Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and the privilege and the blessing to join,” he said. “I don’t want to say too much, because I want to let the screen do the talking.”
Feige also revealed how Jonsson landed the coveted role, explaining that Coogler was convinced almost immediately after meeting the actor.
According to Feige, Coogler called him after a secret meeting with Jonsson and declared: “He’s the guy, he’s the guy, I felt it. I felt it in my soul. He’s a good man, and he is the next Black Panther.” Feige admitted the call gave him “chills” and left him emotional before responding: “Let’s do it.”
Jonsson, 32, has quickly become one of Britain’s most exciting young actors. He first gained widespread recognition for his role in the acclaimed television drama Industry before earning praise for performances in Rye Lane, Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk. His rise through the industry has seen him win a BAFTA Rising Star Award and establish himself as one of the most sought-after talents of his generation.
The Black Panther franchise remains one of Marvel’s most culturally significant and commercially successful properties. The original 2018 film became a global phenomenon, earning more than $1.3 billion worldwide and becoming the first superhero movie to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. Its sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, continued the story following Boseman’s death and introduced audiences to T’Challa’s young son, laying the groundwork for the next generation of Wakandan heroes.
With Coogler returning to write and direct, and Jonsson stepping into one of cinema’s most iconic roles, Marvel is betting that the legacy of Black Panther will continue to inspire audiences around the world when the film arrives in theatres on 15 December 2028.
