Ryan Coogler has officially confirmed that Black Panther 3 is his next project, ending months of rumors. During Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles event, the celebrated director addressed it head-on.
“Yeah, we’re working on it hard,” Coogler said. “It’s my next movie.”
Coogler’s announcement signals the official kickoff of the franchise’s long-awaited third installment. As the creative mind behind the entire Black Panther saga — from the groundbreaking 2018 original to the heartfelt 2022 sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — he’s been instrumental in shaping its worldbuilding, cultural impact, and emotional core, turning Wakanda into one of Marvel’s most cherished cinematic realms.
Marvel is reportedly aiming for a February 2028 release, with production slated to start in early 2027. While the studio hasn’t revealed any official details, several industry trackers list the movie as being in early development under the working title “Shadows of Wakanda.” There’s no confirmed evidence that this will be the final title.
Plot specifics are still tightly guarded, but the film is already drawing big talent. Coogler recently shared that he has “every intention” of bringing Denzel Washington into a new role created just for him. Damson Idris is also rumored to be in talks, though Marvel has yet to confirm.
The main cast from Wakanda Forever is expected to return, including Letitia Wright as Shuri, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Winston Duke as M’Baku, and the possibility of Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda appearing in flashback scenes.
Just like the first two films, Coogler is set to steer both the story and the emotional continuity of the franchise as it continues to evolve in the wake of Chadwick Boseman’s passing.
