Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 will mark the director’s anticipated return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with film industry insiders reporting that the movie is slated to launch the next MCU era following Avengers: Secret Wars in February 2028. Coogler, who achieved monumental success with previous films in the series and has worked on acclaimed projects like Creed and Sinners, is gearing up for new creative challenges while maintaining a deeply personal connection to the franchise.
The original Black Panther premiered in 2018 with a global box office of $1.3 billion, receiving widespread critical recognition for its groundbreaking depiction of Black heroes and cultural themes. Its sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, followed in 2022 amid the uncertainties of the post-COVID movie landscape, achieving a robust $859 million against substantial odds. These achievements solidified Coogler’s reputation for directing powerful ensemble casts and telling stories that resonate across audiences.
Addressing the Motivation Behind His Return
After the passing of lead actor Chadwick Boseman, the future of Black Panther seemed uncertain, and many in the film community questioned whether Coogler would return to the series. During a recent interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Coogler candidly addressed the driving forces behind Black Panther 3. He emphasized that his filmmaking is not about meeting industry expectations or proving anything to others, but rather about pursuing stories that captivate him personally.
“I’m not making movies to prove anything. I’m telling stories that I want to tell; that I’m obsessed with; that I feel the burning desire to do. [Black Panther 3 is] a movie that I’m incredibly excited about. That’s really the truth of it. [The] opportunity to prove things to myself or prove things about the marketplace now, absolutely.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
Coogler’s comments highlight his intensely personal connection to the upcoming project, and his determination to craft films that matter deeply to him as a storyteller. This passion appears to fuel his continued involvement in the Black Panther universe, despite the significant challenges that accompanied making a sequel after Boseman’s tragic death.
The Emotional Experience and Cultural Significance of Wakanda Forever
Reflecting on his experience making Wakanda Forever, Coogler discussed the significance of creating a film centered on powerful Black women and indigenous American characters, exploring themes of grief and responsibility. He found fulfillment not only in the story but also in the opportunity to defy market expectations for such narratives.
“I did enjoy making a movie that was essentially about powerful black women who were grappling with grief while trying to do incredibly important jobs, and also starring indigenous American people. I have a good time proving that movie could make $800 million. Absolutely. It brought me great joy to prove that. But that’s not why I was making it.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
Coogler further revealed that the filmmaking process itself allowed him to confront personal fears and embrace new experiences, such as learning to swim during water scenes, and that these experiences became deeply woven into his personal and professional journey.
“I was making it because I had a story that I was obsessed with. I had an opportunity to do things…I learned how to swim from that movie, bro. I’ve been terrified of the water. I got to live my best James Cameron life. I’m 20 feet in the tank. With a bunch of black and Mexican folks swimming around. That was awesome. I did get a chance to move through an inescapable human emotion of grief, and I get to tell that story to my kids.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
Reasoning for Continuing the Black Panther Franchise
Coogler openly acknowledged the questions some fans and observers may have about his decision to direct another Black Panther film. He expressed empathy with those perspectives, but insisted that his job as a filmmaker is to show the world why these stories are needed, and to answer any doubts through his craft.
“I got [Black Panther 3] on my heart. From the outside looking in, you might say, ‘Man, why is this dude making another one of those?’ That’s totally fine. That’s totally a question that makes sense. I don’t deny that. It’s my job as a filmmaker to show why, it’s my job to answer that question.”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
By acknowledging both external skepticism and his internal motivations, Coogler firmly positions his work within a larger narrative about creativity, healing, and representation. His return to the Black Panther franchise is rooted in a desire to pursue stories that speak to universal experiences while honoring the legacy of Chadwick Boseman and the community built around these films.
Anticipation Builds Around Cast and Plot Details
One of the more intriguing developments surrounding Black Panther 3 is the involvement of Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington. While Washington has confirmed his participation in the upcoming film, Ryan Coogler has been careful not to divulge specific details regarding Washington’s character or creative role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“Out of all the 10 billion people on the planet, however many billion we are, I’m gonna be the happiest one, bro,”
he said of potentially directing Washington.
“I’m gonna try [to write him a good part].”
– Ryan Coogler, Director
Speculation continues about the direction of the third film, especially after the epic events expected in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Reports suggest that the spotlight may shift to a new T’Challa, likely represented by the adult version of Toussaint from Wakanda Forever, though Marvel Studios has yet to confirm these details. The secrecy surrounding the script and cast only increases interest among longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter in Wakanda’s Story
As audiences anticipate the arrival of Ryan Coogler Black Panther 3 in 2028, much of the film remains under wraps, promising unexpected developments in both characters and narrative. Coogler’s unwavering passion, shown through his willingness to take creative risks and push through moments of personal vulnerability, sets the stage for another powerful entry in the MCU. The impact of Chadwick Boseman and the expanding legacy of Wakanda resonate through every element of the production, ensuring that Black Panther 3 is poised to shape the post-Secret Wars era of Marvel storytelling in profound ways.
The combination of legacy, reinvention, and heartfelt storytelling promises that the next chapter of Wakanda will offer something truly significant for audiences worldwide. With celebrated talent joining the cast and a director committed to meaningful narratives, Black Panther 3 stands as one of the most anticipated films in the coming years—and a testament to the enduring relevance of these characters and their world.
