Wakanda is gearing up for its next cinematic chapter. Following the massive success of 2018’s Oscar-winning “Black Panther” (which remains one of Marvel’s highest-grossing films) and its poignant 2022 sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Marvel Studios is moving forward with a third installment.
Chadwick Boseman permanently defined the franchise with his legendary portrayal of King T’Challa, the original Black Panther. While “Wakanda Forever” beautifully navigated the actor’s tragic death in 2020 by passing the mantle to Letitia Wright’s Shuri, “Black Panther 3” will push the story even further. The sequel is currently in active development, with visionary filmmaker Ryan Coogler returning to write and direct, and it’s been confirmed that Hollywood icon Denzel Washington is joining the franchise.
Read on for everything we know about “Black Panther 3.”
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The plot for “Black Panther 3” is being kept a secret, but “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” left several big storylines open, leaving room for speculation about Wakanda’s future.
At the end of “Wakanda Forever” (spoiler alert!), T’Challa’s younger sister Shuri becomes the new Black Panther. She later leaves Wakanda, and M’Baku (Winston Duke) steps forward to challenge for the throne. The film also reveals that Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) has been secretly raising her and T’Challa’s son in Haiti, away from the pressures of the throne.
Winston Duke as M'Baku in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Credit: Eli Adé
Coogler, who directed “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” will return for the third installment.
Coogler has also directed “Fruitvale Station” (2013), “Creed” (2015), and, most recently, “Sinners,” his 2025 vampire period piece that earned over $350 million worldwide and a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations and 4 wins.
Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler Credit: MLM IMAGES Los Angeles/Shutterstock
The full cast hasn’t been announced for “Black Panther 3,” but Washington has said that Coogler is writing a role for him.
On the “7PM in Brooklyn With Carmelo Anthony” podcast, Coogler called Washington “family,” saying he’s wanted to work with him from the start.
Ryan Coogler on the set of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Credit: Eli Adé
Official casting for “Black Panther 3” has not yet begun, but we will post updates here as soon as they break. While you wait for Marvel to start booking talent, be sure to bookmark our main casting page so you never miss an audition opportunity.
You can also explore similar greenlit projects:
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Want to work on a Marvel set? We have lots of advice to help you get ready for auditions:
- 10 MCU Monologues for Auditions + Acting Practice
- Marvel CD Sarah Halley Finn on What She Looks for in Auditions
- How to Get Cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
- How to Get Cast on Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’
While “Black Panther 3” is actively in development, it is still too early to announce an official release date. In the meantime, you can dive back into the MCU by streaming both “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” on Disney+. For even more stories from the kingdom, don’t miss “Eyes of Wakanda,” the thrilling animated anthology series on Disney+ that explores the legendary history of the Wakandan warriors.
