Black Panther director Ryan Coogler has confirmed that Black Panther 3 is currently in pre-production six years after the tragic death of its star Chadwick Boseman10:34, 26 Jul 2026Acclaimed film director Ryan Coogler has left Black Panther fans in a state of frenzy after revealing that Black Panther 3 was in the works. Fans of the franchise were left devastated after Chadwick Boseman, who played the iconic King T'Challa, tragically died following his battle with colon cancer, at the age of 43.‌But now, in an honourable nod to the late star and legendary actor, David Jonsson who is famed for his role in The Long Walk, is set to play the son of T'Challa.‌Welcoming David on to the stage in front of a huge crowd at San Diego Comic-Con, Ryan said:“The last time we got to make a movie, we introduced a character who is the son of the character that the great Chadwick Boseman played – our T’Challa – in that film.‌“And today, I want to tell you that in this next film, he grows up, he comes of age.”Speaking of his gratitude of being cast in the film, the Marvel newcomer told fans: "I want to say thank you so much. Thank you, Ryan. Thank you, [Kevin Feige]. Thank you to this amazing family that I honour, [it’s] a privilege and blessing to join.‌"I don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking, but believe me, the honour is entirely mine."The film is slated for release in the US on December 15 2028, with a UK date yet to be confirmed.Two years ago, iconic actor Denzel Washington accidentally let slip that the director was creating a role for him in the upcoming movie. He said at the time that Ryan was "writing a part for me in the next Black Panther."‌According to reports he apologised to the famed director for spilling the tea, with Ryan confirming Denzel's role the following year.The first movie within the franchise was released back in 2018 which starred Chadwick as King T'Challa of the East African nation of Wakanda.Following his death, actress Letitia Wright - who played his sister Shuri - stepped up to lead their people in the 2022 sequel, Wakanda Forever.‌At the end of the sequel, Lupita Nyong'o's character Nakia revealed that she had been raising her son with T'Challa in secret and his Wakanda name was T'Challa.Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about the movie and her revelation in the film she said last February: "Honestly, I do not put any energy into trying to imagine a future that I have no control of. So we’ll see. And when we know more, we’ll know more."But Marvel producer Nate Moore addressed rumours at the time of a third film that month to the same publication. He said: "We don’t know what the story is, so I couldn’t tell you whether or not we’re open to recasting.Article continues below"It certainly wasn’t our instinct for Wakanda Forever. I’ll never say never to anything, but it’s too early to talk about any of that stuff. We have to figure out what the story’s going to be."Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.