Where is Black Panther? The Future of the Franchise and Denzel Washington’s Involvement

Following the recent partial cast reveal of Avengers: Doomsday, fans are eagerly questioning the whereabouts of several beloved heroes, including Black Panther. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Letitia Wright’s Shuri, who last appeared in Wakanda Forever back in 2022. As of now, details about a potential third installment remain mostly under wraps, with the intriguing possibility of Denzel Washington joining the franchise.

Denzel Washington and the Black Panther Franchise

During the promotional tour for Gladiator II last November, Washington hinted at the prospect of joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe through Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther series. While there has been no official announcement yet, Coogler expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Washington, calling him “a living legend and a great mentor.” He added that he has every intention of featuring Washington in Black Panther 3 if the actor is interested. Last year, Washington showed enthusiasm for embracing new challenges as he approaches retirement, lending credence to the potential partnership.

The Uncertain Future of Black Panther 3

Despite the buzz surrounding the franchise, Marvel has yet to formally confirm the production of a third Black Panther film. The lengthy gap between solo releases, including the four-year hiatus following Wakanda Forever, was largely attributed to the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman in 2020 and the subsequent transition of Shuri into the lead role. Speculation has emerged suggesting that Marvel might be exploring the introduction of a new T’Challa, but whether this character will be a multiverse variant or a grown version of T’Challa’s son remains unclear. When asked about the timeline for Black Panther 3, Coogler assured fans that the wait would be “not long.”

Upcoming Projects to Anticipate

In the meantime, fans can look forward to Coogler’s upcoming film Sinner, set to release on April 18, and Avengers: Doomsday, premiering on May 1, 2026.

[Source: Deadline]

For more updates, discover the latest on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, along with insights into the DC Universe’s next moves in film and TV. Stay informed about the future of Doctor Who as well.

FAQs about Black Panther and the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Will Black Panther 3 happen?

While Marvel has not officially greenlit Black Panther 3, Ryan Coogler has indicated a strong interest in moving forward with the project, stating that fans won’t have to wait long.

Who might join Black Panther 3?

Denzel Washington has expressed interest in joining the franchise, and Coogler has indicated he would love to work with him as long as Washington is on board.

What caused the delay in Black Panther’s sequel?

The delay following Wakanda Forever was primarily due to the untimely death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020, which necessitated a shift in storytelling focus within the franchise.

Are there any rumors about new characters in Black Panther 3?

Recent rumors suggest that Marvel may introduce a new version of T’Challa, potentially exploring either a multiverse variant or his son, though nothing has been confirmed.