Hollywood Stars React As Marvel Introduces British Actor David Jonsson As New Black Panther

• Marvel Studios officially unveiled British actor David Jonsson as the new “Black Panther” during its Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The actor will portray the adult Prince T’Challa II, marking a new era for the blockbuster franchise.

• Director Ryan Coogler introduced Jonsson to fans during the surprise announcement, while the actor thanked Coogler, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and the Black Panther family for welcoming him into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

• Returning stars Letitia Wright and Winston Duke have thrown their support behind Jonsson’s casting, expressing confidence in his talent and excitement about the franchise’s next chapter as the story shifts to T’Challa’s son.

• Jonsson, who has Nigerian and Sierra Leonean roots, will headline “Black Panther 3”, scheduled for release on December 15, 2028, as Marvel continues the Black Panther legacy without recasting the late Chadwick Boseman’s iconic role.

July 26, () — Marvel Studios officially named British actor, David Jonsson, as the new Black Panther on Saturday, July 25, 2026, unveiling him during a surprise announcement at San Diego Comic-Con.

The 32-year-old actor will portray the adult Prince T’Challa II, the son of King T’Challa and Nakia, in “Black Panther 3.” The character was first introduced as a child, also known as Toussaint, in the closing moments of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

Director Ryan Coogler introduced Jonsson to thousands of fans during Marvel Studios’ Hall H presentation.

“I want you to give a warm welcome to our new Black Panther: Mr David Jonsson”, Coogler told the cheering crowd.

An emotional Jonsson thanked Coogler, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and the cast for welcoming him into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“Thank you, Ryan. Thank you, Kevin. Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honour and privilege and the blessing to join”, he said.

Black Panther Cast Welcomes Jonsson

Jonsson’s casting has already received strong backing from members of the Black Panther family, with returning stars expressing confidence in Marvel’s choice.

Letitia Wright, who returns as Shuri in the third film, described the franchise’s new direction as “beautiful,” saying she is excited to see the story continue through Prince T’Challa II. She also said she looks forward to sharing the journey with Jonsson, who takes over as the next Black Panther.

Winston Duke, who reprises his role as M’Baku, welcomed Jonsson into the franchise and praised him as “a wonderful young man.” Duke said he trusts Jonsson as an actor and also trusts Marvel and director Ryan Coogler’s decision, adding that the new interpretation of Black Panther will be “great”.

Coogler, who returns to write and direct the third instalment, said the story will honour Chadwick Boseman’s legacy by focusing on T’Challa’s son rather than recasting the original character.

The film is scheduled for release on December 15, 2028.

Jonsson’s Rise to Fame

Jonsson’s casting gives Marvel a fresh face to lead one of its biggest franchises. The London-born actor has previously spoken about his Creole heritage, with roots in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, alongside Caribbean and Swedish ancestry. His background is expected to resonate strongly with audiences across Africa and the global diaspora.

The actor first gained widespread recognition for his performance as Gus Sackey in HBO’s “Industry.”

He later received critical acclaim for “Rye Lane”, before starring in “Alien: Romulus” and the film adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Long Walk.”

In 2025, he won the BAFTA Rising Star Award, cementing his status as one of Britain’s fastest-rising actors.

The original “Black Panther”, released in 2018, grossed about $1.3 billion worldwide, earned seven Academy Award nominations and won three Oscars, becoming the first superhero film to receive a Best Picture nomination.

Following Chadwick Boseman’s death in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer, Marvel chose not to recast T’Challa. Instead, the studio expanded the story of Wakanda through its existing characters before passing the mantle to T’Challa’s son.

Jonsson’s casting marks a new chapter for the franchise, blending the legacy of Chadwick Boseman’s iconic T’Challa with a coming-of-age story focused on the next generation of Wakanda’s protectors.