David Jonsson has officially been confirmed as the new Black Panther, with the British actor set to play the grown-up son of T’Challa in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther 3.
Marvel Studios revealed the news during its Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, where Coogler was joined by Jonsson and returning stars Letitia Wright and Winston Duke. The third film will arrive exclusively in cinemas on 15 December 2028.
Jonsson will play Prince T’Challa II, also known as Toussaint, the son of T’Challa and Nakia. The character was introduced as a child during the post-credits scene of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with the new film following him as he grows up and looks towards the throne of Wakanda.
“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,” Coogler told the audience. Confirming the direction of the next chapter, he added: “In this next film, he grows up, he comes of age.”
Jonsson received a standing ovation as he walked onto the Hall H stage. “Thank you Ryan, thank you Kevin, thank you to this amazing family that I have the honour and the privilege and the blessing to join,” he said. The actor kept further details under wraps, explaining that he wanted to “let the screen do the talking” before adding: “The honour is entirely mine.” Following the announcement, Jonsson shared the release date on social media with the message: “A privilege, an honour. 12.15.28.”
Wright will return as Shuri after taking on the Black Panther mantle in Wakanda Forever, while Duke will reprise his role as M’Baku. Denzel Washington is also part of the cast, with further character and story details still to be announced. Coogler will return to direct after bringing Wakanda to the screen in 2018’s Black Panther and continuing its story with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2022. The third film will also become the first MCU production to be filmed entirely on larger-format celluloid.
Jonsson’s profile has risen quickly through roles in Industry, Rye Lane, Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk. His casting now places the British actor at the centre of one of Marvel’s most important franchises as a new generation steps forward to continue T’Challa’s legacy.
For CultureCues, David Jonsson is a brilliant choice for the new Black Panther. He has already shown how much presence he can bring to both intimate stories and major genre films, while Coogler’s return means this next chapter remains in trusted hands. It is a huge mantle to inherit, but Jonsson’s reaction makes it clear how much the role means to him. Chadwick Boseman made T’Challa such an iconic and deeply loved character, so seeing someone new step into that legacy was always going to feel difficult. Casting Jonsson as his son feels like a respectful way to continue the story, and for us, it feels like perfect casting. We said it before, but now even more: MCU, we are so back. Wakanda forever.
Black Panther 3 arrives exclusively in cinemas on 15 December 2028.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.