Ryan Coogler has officially announced that his next project will be the highly anticipated Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3, confirming the final chapter in his Marvel trilogy. This confirmation came during the Sinners panel at the Contenders Film: Los Angeles event on November 15, 2025, generating excitement among fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Black Panther series.
Coogler’s Direct Focus Shifts Toward Completing His Black Panther Trilogy
The acclaimed Sinners director expressed that Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 will be his immediate focus after wrapping up work on Sinners. Coogler made it clear during the event that he is dedicating significant effort to the trilogy’s conclusion. Addressing the audience, Coogler responded to speculation by stating:
“But we’re working on it hard.
“So it’s next. Yes, it’s the next movie.”
– Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
This direct statement left no doubts about his commitment to completing the Marvel Cinematic Universe story arc he began in 2018 with Black Panther.
Why Coogler Stepped Away from Blockbusters for Sinners
During the discussion, Coogler shared that he chose to make Sinners instead of returning immediately to franchise blockbusters, wanting to give something back to audiences who had supported his career from the start. He reflected on the importance of film in his life and the influence it has had on his personal journey, explaining:
“This artform has changed my life, has changed my family’s lives, [allowed] me to travel the world. I got my first passport because a movie I made in film school got accepted into a festival abroad. Film has literally changed the arc of my life.”
– Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
Coogler described how he grew up fascinated by “weird movies,” horror films, and unconventional stories, but had not previously explored those genres in his own work. With Sinners, he intended to create something entirely from his own creative heart. He said he did not want to hide behind well-known franchises or adapt others’ stories, desiring to fully express himself as a filmmaker.
“I grew up loving weird movies, horror cinema and literature. I hadn’t made anything in that space, and I felt like I hadn’t made enough moments that were surprising. Even though I had done that before, I wanted to make a movie full of them.”
– Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
The Black Panther Legacy and Moving Forward
The Black Panther film series holds deep emotional significance given its late original star Chadwick Boseman, who played T’Challa. Boseman’s portrayal in Black Panther (2018) and earlier MCU entries such as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame received worldwide acclaim. Following a private fight with colon cancer, Boseman died in August 2020 at 43. Marvel Studios honored his legacy in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, passing the Black Panther mantle to Letitia Wright, who plays T’Challa’s sister Shuri.
This change allowed the story to continue while respecting Boseman’s contribution and memory, with Letitia Wright’s performance as Shuri earning recognition from both critics and fans. Ryan Coogler remains keenly aware of the impact Boseman’s work as T’Challa had on cinema and the Marvel universe.
Speculation Surrounding Casting for Black Panther 3
As momentum builds for Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3, discussion has emerged regarding the possible casting of T’Challa. British actor Damson Idris has been linked to the role, but has avoided confirming or denying any involvement. Recently, Today show host Craig Melvin asked Idris if he had spoken with Marvel about this opportunity, and Idris responded ambiguously. When further pressed about whether he would accept the Black Panther role, Idris answered affirmatively with “Yes!” on national television, adding intrigue to the discussion about the character’s future in the MCU.
What Lies Ahead for Ryan Coogler and the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Ryan Coogler’s return to Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 is likely to shape the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With his emotionally driven storytelling and proven connection to audiences worldwide, the filmmaker’s commitment to completing the Black Panther trilogy strengthens the future of Wakanda’s cinematic journey. Fans and industry observers now await the next announcements on casting, production schedules, and storyline developments, as anticipation continues to grow for Coogler’s next chapter in the Marvel saga.
