British actor David Jonsson has been cast as the new King of Wakanda for Marvel’s third Black Panther film, scheduled for December 15, 2028.
The announcement was made by director Ryan Coogler during Marvel’s Hall H panel at Comic-Con on July 25, 2026 in California.
David Jonsson will play Prince T’Challa II, the son of T’Challa and Nakia. The character was first introduced as a young boy in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and will now come of age as Wakanda’s next protector.
Speaking on stage, Jonsson addressed the weight of stepping into the role made iconic by Chadwick Boseman.
“I want to say thank you so much,” he said. “Thank you, Ryan. Thank you to this amazing family that I honor. It’s a privilege and blessing to join. I don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking, but believe me, the honour is entirely mine.”
Ryan Coogler did not reveal plot details, but fans and rumours speculate the film takes place after the events of the forthcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” film.
The Black Panther mantle has shifted twice since the franchise began. The first Black Panther film premiered in 2018, with Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. The film became a global cultural moment for its focus on African identity, technology, and the fight to protect vibranium.
After Boseman died of colon cancer at age 43 in 2020, “Wakanda Forever” passed the mantle to his sister Shuri, played by Letitia Wright. In the final scene of that film, Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia revealed she had been raising her son, Toussaint (T’Challa II) with King T’Challa in Haiti.
At 32, David Jonsson is one of the UK’s fastest-rising actors. He broke out in the romantic drama “Rye Lane,” earned praise in the series Industry, and played Andy in “Alien: Romulus.” He also appeared in the BBC series “Wasteman” and “The Long Walk.”