Gladiator 2 Star Denzel Washington Says Ryan Coogler Is Writing a Part for Him in Black Panther 3

Denzel Washington has perhaps said a bit too much, confirming director Ryan Coogler is writing a part for him in Black Panther 3.

Nov 12, 2024 - 14:00

Gladiator 2 Star Denzel Washington Says Ryan Coogler Is Writing a Part for Him in Black Panther 3

Denzel Washington has perhaps said a bit too much, confirming director Ryan Coogler is writing a part for him in Black Panther 3.

Speaking to the Today show on Australia’s Channel 9, the Gladiator 2 star discussed what’s next for him, pointing to Hannibal, a Steve McQueen film, and then the bombshell that is sure to send shockwaves speeding towards Kevin Feige’s office at Marvel Studios: “After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther.”

Marvel has yet to announce a new Black Panther movie, but here we have the loose-lipped Denzel Washington letting the world know it’s in the works.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise to learn that Black Panther 3 is coming at some point. The first movie, starring the late Chadwick Boseman, was a box office smash with over $1.3 billion. 2022 sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever continued the story by waving goodbye to Boseman, who died aged 43 in 2020. It made $859 million, according to Box Office Mojo — not as much as the first Black Panther, but a smash hit for Marvel Studios nonetheless.

There’s no word on what Washington’s role will be in Black Panther 3, but Letitia Wright has teased the possibility of returning to her role as Shuri in the future, saying there is "a lot coming up" on the MCU slate.

"Let's just say... I would like to continue with Shuri," Wright said after being quizzed about the possibility of reprising the role in the Marvel universe again (especially with two new Avengers movies coming up). "She's one of my favorite characters. Such a blessing, honestly. I kid you not. I'm so grateful for her."

When asked about Black Panther 3 specifically, Wright coyly responded: "There's a lot to, a lot to — a lot coming up."

Marvel Studios has announced an animated series titled Eyes of Wakanda, which will premiere on Disney+ and tell the story of Wakandan warriors traveling the world to recover dangerous vibranium artifacts. There’s no release date for that yet, however.

When might Black Panther 3 come out? In October, Marvel Studios added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule: February 18, 2028; May 5, 2028; and November 10, 2028. It seems increasingly likely one of these movies is X-Men. Could another be Black Panther 3?

Last week, Feige gave vague updates on Blade, Scarlet Witchʼs future, and when Miles Morales will be introduced to the MCU. In the shorter term Marvel Studios has Captain America: Brave New World out in February 2025, Thunderbolts* out in May 2025, TV shows Daredevil: Born Again out in March and Ironheart out in June. Phase 6 kicks off with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.