Ever since I first interviewed David Jonsson for Rye Lane a few years ago, I’ve been saying he’s the next big thing. That time, I think, is finally here. Today at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel confirmed that Jonsson will star in Black Panther 3, which Ryan Coogler will write and direct. The film will hit theaters on December 15th 2028.
Jonsson will take on the role of T’Challa and Nakia’s son, Toussaint, first revealed at the conclusion of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Toussaint also carries his Wakandan name, T’Challa, which should quiet fans who’ve wanted to see the character recast following Chadwick Boseman’s death.
It also means that Marvel could be skipping ahead in time following events of Avengers: Secret Wars. We might see other characters significantly aged, as well.
Jonsson has killed it in literally everything he’s done. Rye Lane was just the start. He’s also been great in HBO’s Industry, as well as in Alien: Romulus, The Long Walk, and Wasteman. Coogler said on stage that it was Jonsson’s performance in The Long Walk that made him want to work with the 32-year-old actor.
At this point, no other casting is confirmed. Letitia Wright’s Shuri is still officially Black Panther, so she’s sure to return. Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Winston Duke seem like sure bets.
Don’t forget that Denzel Washington said that a role in Black Panther 3 is being written for him, too. He wasn’t mentioned on the Comic-Con stage, so we’ll just have to keep speculating as to what he’ll be doing.
Just announced in Hall H:
Ryan Coogler returns to Marvel Studios to direct Black Panther 3, only in theaters December 15, 2028. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/yB1HgvylvN
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) July 26, 2026
