Coogler is back at the helm for the third installment, with Denzel Washington now confirmed in a “special, custom-written” role
Director Ryan Coogler has officially confirmed that Denzel Washington will be joining the cast of Black Panther 3 in a role written specifically for him . Speaking on the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast with Carmelo Anthony, Coogler stated, “There’s no fiction out there about that,” affirming that Washington’s involvement is no rumor . This confirmation follows Washington’s own hint late in 2024 that Coogler was crafting a part for him, which led Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to acknowledge the project was underway .
Ryan Gosling Rumor Debunked
Among circulating fan theories, speculation emerged that Ryan Gosling might be joining the Black Panther universe—based partly on a meme and recent comics featuring a white Panther . However, this is purely internet-driven rumor, and there has been no confirmation from Marvel Studios regarding Gosling’s involvement .
Cultural Impact of the Black Panther Franchise
Since its groundbreaking debut in 2018, Black Panther dramatically shifted cultural narratives. Directed by Coogler and starring Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, it grossed a monumental $1.35 billion worldwide, setting new box-office records for representation and inspiring movements like the Harlem-based GoFundMe’s “Black Panther Challenge” . It became the first superhero film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars—and earned three wins (Costume, Production, Original Score) .
Its 2022 sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which honored Boseman following his 2020 passing from colon cancer, also resonated globally. Introducing Letitia Wright as Shuri, it earned approximately $859 million worldwide and accrued multiple award nominations and wins . Together, the franchise has generated over $2.2 billion and solidified Wakanda as an international symbol of Afrofuturism, Black excellence, and pioneering diversity in blockbuster cinema.
Looking Ahead to Black Panther 3
Coogler is back at the helm for the third installment, with Denzel Washington now confirmed in a “special, custom-written” role. While Marvel has not yet announced an official release date, recent reporting suggests a tentative February 2028 premiere is being considered .
With Coogler’s visionary direction, Washington’s star power, and the enduring global impact of the franchise, Black Panther 3 is shaping up to be a cultural landmark. Fans worldwide eagerly await to once again chant “Wakanda Forever.”