Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 is officially on the horizon as the director, after his stint in the horror genre with “Sinners,” has directly confirmed his involvement in the third installment of the Marvel superhero saga. This announcement, which follows a period of speculation fueled by Denzel Washington’s earlier remarks, establishes Coogler’s commitment to the highly anticipated sequel as his next major film project.
Production Announcement Made During Industry Panel
Ryan Coogler revealed the update on Black Panther 3 at a Deadline Contenders panel over the weekend, putting to rest any doubts about his upcoming projects. There had been some ambiguity regarding his current work on the revival of the “X-Files” series, raising concerns about possible delays for the next Black Panther film. However, Coogler addressed these concerns directly.
“I would say…we’re working on it hard…Yes, it’s the next movie.”
— Ryan Coogler, Director
This reassurance has clarified that despite his television commitments, Black Panther 3 remains his foremost priority and will move ahead without being affected by his other projects.
Coogler’s Expanding Role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Throughout his career with Marvel Studios, Coogler has carved out a distinctive presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He previously directed two successful Black Panther films, while also producing Marvel spinoffs such as “Ironheart” and “Eyes of Wakanda.” The latter introduced a new Iron Fist character within the MCU. The second Black Panther movie showcased significant developments: Shuri assumed the superhero mantle, M’Baku took charge of Wakanda’s royal responsibilities, and Namor—the MCU’s take on the iconic Marvel mutant—was introduced for the first time.
Cast Uncertainty and Crossover Events Suggest New Directions
With Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Tenoch Huerta expected to reappear in the upcoming Russo Brothers’ film “Avengers: Doomsday,” speculation has mounted over the direction Black Panther 3 will take. The potential for Denzel Washington to join the cast remains unconfirmed, leaving room for speculation about whether he will serve as an ally or an adversary. Additionally, major MCU films like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” “Avengers: Secret Wars,” and the forthcoming X-Men reboot could provide narrative crossovers likely to impact the storyline of the next Black Panther entry.
Marvel’s comic book storylines, which include Wakanda extending its reach into space and the formation of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, may inspire themes in the third film as well. These large-scale developments could open up possibilities for new settings and character arcs far beyond Wakanda’s borders.
Character Mysteries and Future Plot Threads
The ending of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” hinted at future plotlines with the surprise revelation that T’Challa had a secret son, paving the way for further exploration of his legacy. Meanwhile, casting rumors continue to circulate online, notably involving “F1” actor Damson Idris. His recent appearance alongside Angela Bassett—who received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda—at the Vogue World event sparked talk about his potential involvement in the franchise, possibly as a variant or a completely new character.
Marvel’s Plans and What Lies Ahead
As fans await further details regarding the next chapter in the Black Panther series, anticipation around Ryan Coogler’s direction and the evolving MCU landscape remains high. The combination of ongoing casting developments, interconnected Marvel properties, and new storylines rooted in both film and television indicate that Black Panther 3 is poised to impact not only its franchise but the broader Marvel universe.
“Ryan Coogler confirms ‘Black Panther 3’ is his next film #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/15OH9hpMPY”
— Deadline, Industry Source
Observers can expect further updates as the project moves into production, with Ryan Coogler leading the way in shaping the next stage of Wakanda’s cinematic journey, and Marvel Studios ready to unveil fresh narratives and characters in their expanding universe.
Ryan Coogler confirms ‘Black Panther 3’ is his next film #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/15OH9hpMPY
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 15, 2025
Damson Idris and Angela Bassett (as Queen Ramonda) walking together during the Vogue World parade, fueling rumors that he’s the new Black Panther! 👀 pic.twitter.com/IbLC12pftV
— MCU Portal (@MCU_Portal) October 27, 2025
