Ryan Coogler announces David Jonsson as the new Black Panther

Pop Culture NewsRyan Coogler announces David Jonsson as the new Black PantherCoogler will also return to direct the third film in the franchise, which will hit theaters in December 2028. From left, Letitia Wright, David Jonsson and Winston Duke during the Marvel Studios Panel at 2026 San Diego Comic-Con Saturday.Jesse Grant / Getty Images for DisneyShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJuly 26, 2026, 10:08 AM EDTBy Rebecca CohenThere’s a new Black Panther, and his name is David Jonsson. Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Director Ryan Coogler announced that Jonsson would be assuming the role on stage at Marvel’s San Diego Comic-Con panel on Saturday. Jonsson will play T’Challa’s son in “Black Panther 3,” which will be out on Dec. 15, 2028. Coogler is returning to direct the third movie in the series. David Jonsson and Ryan Coogler onstage during the Marvel Studios Panel on Saturday.Joe Scarnici / Getty Images for Disney“Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and the privilege and the blessing to join,” Jonsson said on stage after Coogler shared the news. “I actually don’t want to say too much because I want to let this screen do the talking.” The crowd roared with applause upon learning the news. In the first Black Panther film, T’Challa was played by Chadwick Boseman, who died of colon cancer in 2020 after the movie premiered and while Coogler was working on the film’s sequel. His role was somewhat assumed by Letitia Wright in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” who played T’Challa’s sister, Shuri. The news of Jonsson’s role appears to be the true passing of the torch, though. His role, Prince T’Challa II, was introduced in the second Black Panther installment, but the third film will see him coming of age and taking over. Jonsson is most known for his roles in Stephen King’s “The Long Walk,” “Alien: Romulus,” and as Gus Sackey in the first two seasons of “Industry.” ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleRebec...