David Jonsson Takes Up the Black Panther Mantle

At the Marvel Studios Hall H panel on July 25 2026 during San Diego Comic-Con, director Ryan Coogler introduced British actor David Jonsson as the new Black Panther. Jonsson will portray Prince T’Challa II, the adult son of the late King T’Challa, in the third solo film, slated for U.S. release on December 15 2028 and Australian release on December 14 2028.

NBC News

The original *Black Panther* (2018) grossed over $1.3 billion and won three Oscars, while *Wakanda Forever* (2022) earned about $850 million and revealed T’Challa’s son, later named T’Challa II. After Chadwick Boseman’s death in 2020, the mantle passed to his sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) in the 2022 film.

Variety Magazine

• 2018 – *Black Panther* releases, $1.3 bn worldwide.

The Wrap

• 2020 – Chadwick Boseman dies.

The Independent

• 2022 – *Wakanda Forever* releases, $850 m worldwide; introduces T’Challa II.

Variety Magazine

• July 25 2026 – Jonsson announced as the new Black Panther.

Ryan Gosling joins Marvel as Ghost Rider, David Jonsson cast as new Black Panther

• July 26 2026 – Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige discusses casting.

David Jonsson cast as next Black Panther in MCU

• December 14 2028 – Australian theatrical release (scheduled).

David Jonsson Was Cast As Black Panther Six Months Ago And Kept Secret Says Kevin Feige

• December 15 2028 – U.S. theatrical release (scheduled).

David Jonsson Was Cast As Black Panther Six Months Ago And Kept Secret Says Kevin Feige

• Box office: 2018 film – $1.3 bn; 2022 sequel – $850 m.

Hollywood Reporter

• Awards: 2018 film – three Oscars; 2022 film – five Oscar nominations.

Variety Magazine

• Jonsson’s accolades: Bafta Rising Star Award (2025) and Black British Theatre Award (2022).

Page Six

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said the studio had not begun a formal casting search before Coogler identified Jonsson, emphasizing the director’s confidence. Jonsson said joining the franchise is “a privilege and an honour.” Returning cast members Letitia Wright and Winston Duke expressed trust in Jonsson’s talent.

David Jonsson cast as next Black Panther in MCU

Fans at the panel gave standing ovations and chanted “Wakanda forever.” Social-media users echoed Wright’s “Let’s go nephew.” Observers noted the rarity of a major Marvel casting remaining secret for months, pointing to a private hotel meeting between Coogler and Jonsson.

David Jonsson cast as next Black Panther in MCU

Release-date information varies: U.S. sources list December 15 2028, while Australian listings cite December 14 2028. Marvel has confirmed both dates for their respective markets but offered no unified global rollout details.

David Jonsson Becoming Black Panther Was The Defining Moment Of Marvel's Hall H Panel

• “Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and privilege and the blessing to join,” — David Jonsson

Hollywood Reporter

• “We hadn’t started a search yet,” — Kevin Feige

Variety Magazine

• “I want you to give a warm welcome to our new Black Panther: Mr David Jonsson,” — Ryan Coogler

Ryan Coogler Introduces New ‘Black Panther’ Star at San Diego Comic-Con

• “I trust him as an artist. I also trust the people who chose him.” — Winston Duke

Bossip

• “You know, we just had a terrific two years of bringing it out and everybody coming together to support it,” — Letitia Wright

Variety Magazine