David Jonsson was announced as the new Black Panther at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, cast to play Toussaint, the son of T’Challa, in “Black Panther 3.” The film is set for release on December 15, 2028.

Director Ryan Coogler, who helmed the first two films, made the announcement on stage alongside Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, who return as Shuri and M’Baku. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige joined them to confirm the casting.

A New Lead, A Familiar Universe

Jonsson steps into a role shaped by the legacy of Chadwick Boseman, who originated T’Challa before his death. Rather than recasting T’Challa directly, Marvel is moving the story forward a generation, with Jonsson’s Toussaint carrying the mantle instead.

Jonsson has built a strong resume outside Marvel, playing Augustus Gus Sackey in HBO’s Industry, Andy in 2024’s Alien: Romulus, and Pete in 2025’s The Long Walk. His casting signals Marvel Studios is again betting on a rising actor rather than an established star.

A Technical First for Marvel Studios

Coogler confirmed Black Panther 3 will be shot entirely on large-format celluloid film, a first for Marvel Studios since the company’s founding in 2008. That’s a significant technical departure from the digital workflows Marvel has relied on across its film slate.

Denzel Washington will also appear in the film in a role that hasn’t been disclosed, marking his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

With a new lead, a new format, and a nearly two-and-a-half year wait until release, Coogler is clearly building toward something he wants to get right rather than rushed.