Marvel has officially named David Jonsson as the new Black Panther, set to star in the threequel arriving in theatres in 2028. The former Industry star will play Toussaint, the son of Chadwick Boseman's character T'Challa, introduced at the end of Wakanda Forever.
The announcement was made during Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con appearance, where details on Avengers: Doomsday and Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider were also shared. Director Ryan Coogler will return for the threequel, which will be shot entirely on large-format celluloid film, a first for the MCU. Black Panther 3 hits theatres on December 15, 2028.
Fan reactions to casting
Marvel's social media posts celebrated Jonsson as 'perfect casting', with fans noting his performances in Wasteman and The Long Walk, as well as his resemblance to Boseman, who died in 2020. Adam Klay called Jonsson 'one of the most exciting actors working today' and expressed excitement for Coogler directing him alongside Denzel Washington.
However, several fans questioned the decision, given that the previous film positioned Letitia Wright's Shuri as the new Black Panther. On social media, Petra tweeted about a pattern of sidelining female characters, asking why Shuri was being replaced so soon. Another user wrote, 'Giving me an actor I like and adore won’t distract me from the glaring misogyny. Letitia Wright I WILL AVENGE YOU.' @agraybee asked, 'So what was the point of setting up Shuri as the new Black Panther?'
Wright's response
Wright addressed the mantle passing in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, calling it 'beautiful' news. She said of her character Shuri: 'She now has that mantle to pass on, and [that] guidance and the wisdom. I’m going to have a really, really good time, a lot of fun – and I’m going to pick on him so much.'
David Jonsson, 32, began his acting career on the West End and made his screen debut in Endeavour. He starred in Industry and films including Rye Lane, Alien: Romulus, and The Long Walk. Upcoming projects include The Chaperones, Benn/Eubank, and Scandalous.
