David Jonsson to play Black Panther in Marvel sequel

British actor David Jonsson, 32, known for his roles in "Industry," "The Long Walk," and "Alien: Romulus," has been unveiled as the new Black Panther in the third installment of the Marvel franchise. The announcement was made by director Ryan Coogler at Marvel Studios' Comic-Con International presentation in San Diego, with Jonsson appearing on stage alongside co-stars Letitia Wright and Winston Duke.

Coogler, who won the Oscar for Best Picture earlier this year for his vampire film "Sinners," explained that the sequel will follow the son of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa as he grows up and comes of age. The character was first introduced in the 2022 film "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

Born in London, Jonsson began his career in the West End and made his screen debut in 2018 in two episodes of British detective drama "Endeavour." He gained recognition for playing Augustus "Gus" Sackey in the first two series of "Industry" (2020–2022). In 2025, he starred in the adaptation of Stephen King's thriller "The Long Walk" and won the BAFTA Rising Star Award. His upcoming projects include "The Chaperones," "Benn/Eubank," and "Scandalous."

"Thank you to this family that I have the honour and the blessing to join. I don’t want to say too much, because I want to let the screen do the talking," Jonsson said.

"Black Panther III" is scheduled for US release on December 15, 2028. A UK release date has yet to be confirmed. Boseman died in 2020 at age 43 after a battle with colon cancer. The first film, released in 2018, was set in the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda and won three Oscars. Coogler also directed the first two "Black Panther" films and co-produced the 2025 series "Ironheart" and "Eyes of Wakanda."