We’ve known it’s been coming for sometime, but at Comic-Con at the Marvel Studios panel, we finally got a confirmation and release date for Ryan Coogler’s third Black Panther film from Kevin Feige. After the massive success of Sinners, Coogler shot the pilot for his new X-Files reboot, but now he’s ready to formally return to the kingdom of Wakanda. Black Panther III will introduce an older version of Prince T’Challa II, who will pick up the mantle from his father, portrayed by the late, great Chadwick Boseman across four films in the MCU.
Coogler, hot off of Oscar wins for Sinners, is returning to direct, with a release date of December 15, 2028. The movie will star Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk‘s David Jonsson as T’Challa Jr, the new Black Panther.
Kevin Feige has said that after Avengers: Secret Wars, there will be one Marvel timeline going forward, and most things will remain the same. However, we think there will be a time jump, showcasing this new continuity that introduces us to another king and protector of Wakanda, the Black Panther. It will be the first movie released by Marvel Studios that takes place in this new reality. The previous film, Wakanda Forever, was great but kind of depressing, as it deals with the grief of Boseman’s death. This new movie seeks to move on from this kind of moviegoing in general.
The first Black Panther was a cultural phenomenon, transcending the superhero genre (while still remaining as superhero movie as it gets). So to say anticipation is high for this one, is rather an understatement. Can the sequel live up to the original film? We’ll just have to wait and see. But it’s likely that this is Coogler’s third film for Marvel, so we expect stunning visuals and powerful messaging. Especially as this is likely the last trip to Wakanda for Coogler, as he leaves for greener pastures.
Black Panther III will hit cinemas December 18, 2028.
