Full Breakdown
Black Panther 3: New Panther and 2028 Release Unveiled at Comic-Con
7/26/2026, 11:58:46 AM
Core Announcement
At the Hall H panel of San Diego Comic-Con 2026, director Ryan Coogler announced that Marvel Studios will release the third Black Panther film in theaters on December 15, 2028. The movie will star David Jonsson as the grown-up son of the late T’Challa, a character introduced at the end of *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022). Coogler also confirmed that the sequel will be shot entirely on 70 mm film—a first for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Additional casting news included Letitia Wright returning as Shuri, Winston Duke as M’Baku, and Denzel Washington joining the ensemble in a role written for him.
Background & Context
*Black Panther* (2018) launched the MCU’s first African-centric superhero, earning $1.3 billion worldwide and becoming the first superhero film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. After Chadwick Boseman’s death in 2020, the sequel *Wakanda Forever* (2022) shifted focus to Shuri, who assumed the Black Panther mantle and grossed $859 million globally. The franchise’s critical success includes three Oscar wins for costume, production design, and original score, and a later nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Angela Bassett).
Data & Statistics
- 2018 *Black Panther*: $1.3 billion worldwide box office; three Oscar wins.
- 2022 *Wakanda Forever*: $859 million worldwide; one Oscar win (costume design) and five nominations.
- Planned release: December 15, 2028 (scheduled by Marvel Studios).
Official Statements & Responses
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige reiterated the December 15 date and highlighted the 70 mm format as a “larger-format celluloid” approach. Representatives for Denzel Washington confirmed his involvement, noting the role was written specifically for him by Coogler.
On-the-Ground Reactions
The audience gave Jonsson a standing ovation, and sections of the crowd broke into Wakanda chants after his brief thank-you speech. Letitia Wright and Winston Duke joined Coogler on stage, reinforcing continuity with the previous films.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Release date: Most sources list December 15, 2028 as the scheduled opening, but Variety’s concluding paragraph states the film will hit theaters later that month.
- Additional cast: Denzel Washington’s participation is confirmed by several outlets, yet details of his character and screen time have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and privilege and the blessing to join,” — David Jonsson — David Jonsson, actor
- “You know, we just had a terrific two years of bringing it out and everybody coming together to support it,” — Letitia Wright — Letitia Wright, actress
- “I’m having the greatest flashback vibes being here,” — Shawn Levy, director — Shawn Levy, director
- “This seems like an awfully expensive way to announce a film. When do you start filming,” — Ryan Reynolds — Ryan Reynolds, actor
- “It’s in the can, bro! Did you bump your head?” — Downey Jr — Robert Downey Jr., actor
These statements capture the excitement of the panel, the technical ambitions of the production, and the broader industry perspective on Marvel’s upcoming release.
