Ryan Coogler has confirmed that Denzel Washington is set to appear in Black Panther 3, saying he has crafted a role for the two-time Oscar winner in the planned third installment of Marvel’s Wakanda franchise.
Coogler made the comment during an appearance on Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, where he described Washington as “family” and said he has wanted to work with him for a long time.
Coogler’s confirmation follows Washington’s earlier “slip”
The casting chatter began in November 2024, when Washington mentioned on Australia’s Today show that Coogler was writing a part for him in the next Black Panther. Coogler has now publicly acknowledged that Washington’s comment was essentially true.
Washington later said he wasn’t supposed to talk about it yet and called Coogler to apologize after the news got out.
What we don’t know yet: the character, the story details, and Marvel’s official rollout
As of Coogler’s latest comments, there’s still no official word on who Washington will play, how big the role will be, or what the main plotline is. Coogler also noted that a lot of inaccurate information tends to circulate about projects at this stage, and Marvel still hasn’t formally announced the film with a full cast and release plan.
Why this collaboration has extra meaning for the franchise
Coogler’s excitement about casting Washington also ties into the legacy of the first film. Coverage of the announcement has revisited Washington’s connection to Chadwick Boseman and the broader Black Panther community, including the widely shared moment where Boseman credited Washington’s behind-the-scenes support of Howard University students.
When Black Panther 3 could arrive
Marvel hasn’t locked a public release date in a way fans can treat as final, but multiple industry roadmaps continue to list Black Panther 3 as an in-development project expected later in the MCU’s slate.
