Marvel names its next Black Panther — and it isn’t Damson Idris

Here we go then: Marvel have finally named the new Black Panther, and no, it isn’t Damson Idris — so you can put those endless fan debates to bed. This reveal dropped at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, right at the close of Marvel Studios’ big show, as a proper showstopper to finish the night. They've not only confirmed the new face behind the mask, but also handed out plenty of juicy details about the next film in the series.

The new Black Panther movie will hit cinemas on 15 December 2028.

The Next Man Up

So, who’s stepping into the claws? It’s David Jonsson, who, if you've been following buzzier films the past couple of years, is hardly an unknown. He’s playing T'Challa's son, also called T'Challa (because, of course), a character who got a brief tease at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever back in 2022. Fans have spent ages speculating over Idris and others, but Marvel kept this one tidy under wraps until now. Fair play.

Ryan Coogler, who’s still steering the ship, is back for Black Panther 3. Oddly, this is following his horror success with last year’s Sinners — quite the genre hop, but he’s got the cred for it. And if you’re already marking calendars: yes, December 2028 is the big date set for cinemas worldwide.

Who’s This Jonsson Then?

Jonsson wasn’t exactly plucked from obscurity. He became one of the industry’s ones-to-watch after his turn in Alien: Romulus in 2024, which put him firmly on the map. He followed that up with a lead in 2025’s The Long Walk, really cementing his place as a headliner. That’s all before his next job too — he’s set to star in India Donaldson's upcoming crime comedy, The Chaperones. It’s safe to say his diary is looking full these days.

The Supporting Cast (and Loose Ends)

While Marvel have spilled the big casting secret, they’ve been tight-lipped about what Black Panther 3 will actually be about. The speculation train hasn’t lost any steam on that front. What about the returning faces? Letitia Wright (Shuri) is confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, as are Winston Duke (M’Baku) and Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor), with Namor, of course, being Wakanda Forever’s main villain. Whether Namor is coming back for Black Panther 3, though, is anyone's guess; Marvel’s kept that under wraps for now.

• David Jonsson plays T’Challa’s son and takes up the Black Panther mantle
• Ryan Coogler returns as director
• Film arrives in cinemas 15 December 2028
• Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Tenoch Huerta Mejía all return for Avengers: Doomsday
• Jonsson’s other recent credits: Alien: Romulus (2024), The Long Walk (2025), and the upcoming The Chaperones