Summary
Black Panther 3is in development, with Ryan Coogler returning as the director. In a recent interview, he confirmed that he wanted an Academy winner to join the upcoming film.
Black Pantheris one of the beloved franchises in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The first movie, starring Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/Black Panther, was released in 2018. It was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $1.3 billion. The second movie,Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,was released four years later, in 2022, and was as successful. So, it’s not surprising that a third film was greenlit. Coogler helmed the first two movies and he returns to direct the third film. There are rumors that an award-winning actor will join the upcoming MCU movie.
Coogler appeared on the latest episode of7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthonyand spoke aboutBlack Panther 3.The writer and director confirmed that he had Denzel Washington in mind when he wrote the project because he wanted to work with theEqualizeractor “since day one.” “I think he’s the greatest living actor,” Coogler explained. “And in terms of what he means to our culture, forget about it.” He added that he has been in contact with Washington about the project for a long time, but he was still “surprised” when theGladiator IIactor spoke about it. He added:
I’ve been talking to him about this for a long time, and I was surprised when he mentioned it. But it’s not like it’s not true.
In November 2024, Washington appeared onThe Today Showand spoke about his acting projects. He mentioned that Coogler was writing a role for him inBlack Panther 3. His statement immediately made headlines, with many confirming his role in the anticipated Marvel movie. In another interview withVariety’sAwards Circuit Podcastweeks later, Washington called Coogler a “genius” and admitted that he called the director to apologize after he spilled hisBlack Pantherrole. This isn’t the first time Washington spoke about his interest in working with Washington. He shared the same message when he appeared in an episode of theNightcappodcast on YouTube in March. Coogler said he wasdesperate to work with Washingtonand hoped they could materialize it. However, he hinted that the decision was up to theTragedy of Macbethstar because it would happen if he was “interested.”
Cooglerhas been consistent in his desire to work with Washington. And considering his recent statement, it’s likely a confirmation that Washington is indeed part ofBlack Panther 3. Coogler’s statement is a double negative and two negatives cancel out and make a positive statement. It appears that Washington is open to working with the filmmaker because he praised Coogler, calling him a “genius.” Actors as brilliant and talented as Washington would certainly love to work with someone of Coogler’s caliber. Also, Washington talking about his role inBlack Panther 3seemingly suggests that he has already accepted the role. It was already in his mind when he spoke about the projects he would do before his retirement. According to him, Coogler was writing a role for him inBlack Panther 3and after that, he would filmOthelloandKing Learand then retire. With how Washington spoke about it, the nextBlack Pantherfilm is certainly part of his calendar.
