David Jonsson to play T'Challa's son in 'Black Panther 3'
David Jonsson introduced as the newest Black Panther (Facebook)
Marvel Studios is keeping the momentum going as it introduced the newest actor set to don the Black Panther mantle.
Academy Award-winning director Ryan Coogler announced during Marvel Studios’ Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, that British actor David Jonsson has been tapped to play the new Black Panther in a film set to hit theaters on December 15, 2028.
David received a loud ovation as he joined co-stars Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige onstage.
“Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and privilege and the blessing to join,” David said from the stage as the audience screamed and cheered, with some sections breaking out in Wakanda chants. He will don the mantle of the Black Panther for the film.
The actor is a recent Hollywood breakout, with key roles in "Alien: Romulus" and "The Long Walk".
He was also part of the main cast for the first two seasons of "Industry."
The "Black Panther" film franchise kicked off with the 2018 title, starring Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa.
Chadwick passed away in August 2020 at the age of 43 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer.
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" revealed that T’Challa had a young son with Nakia (Lupita Nyong'O).
Since this is Marvel, the sequel could use a time jump or other story elements to make him older. The movie will also follow next year’s "Avengers: Secret Wars" and could have a major impact on the wider MCU.
During the unveiling, Ryan shared that the film will focus on the young prince's journey.
"The last time we got to make a movie, we introduced a character who is the son of the character that the great Chadwick Boseman played, our T'Challa, in that film. And today, I want to tell you that in this next film, he grows up and he comes of age," Ryan said.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Letitia Wright, who plays the role of Shuri, mentioned how excited she is to welcome David to such a big role.
"The news was really beautiful to hear because I have a personal connection to David. To see the full circle of that today, I’m still living in it. We’re both still checking in with each other about it," she said.
One of the highlights of this year’s Marvel panel at SDCC was the unveiling of Ryan Gosling as Ghost Rider in an upcoming film directed by Shawn Levy, who is also directing next year’s "Star Wars: Starfighter."