David Jonsson Replaces Chadwick Boseman As Black Panther 6 Years After His Death

Few superhero roles carry as much emotion as Black Panther. Six years after Chadwick Boseman’s death, Marvel has officially handed the mantle to David Jonsson. This marks a historic moment for the MCU.

Now, David, who is 32, will be seen playing the adult son of T’Challa in Black Panther 3. The film is set to release in theatres on December 15, 2028. This major announcement was made by Oscar-winning director Ryan Coogler at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday.

The film will be the first to recast the Black Panther role following Chadwick Boseman’s death from colon cancer in 2020. Boseman was originally expected to return for a planned sequel before his untimely passing.

Jonsson took the stage at the comic con and appeared emotional as he was introduced.

As the fans chanted “Wakanda,” he said, “Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honour and privilege and the blessing to join.”

Check it out:

David Jonsson is your new Black Panther.

Black Panther 3, directed by Ryan Coogler, arrives in theaters December 15, 2028. pic.twitter.com/JILHDOelQE

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 26, 2026

Ryan Coogler introduces the new #BlackPanther, David Jonsson.

Black Panther 3 arrives in theaters December 15, 2028. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/npOXtW76UW

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 26, 2026

Meanwhile, Black Panther 3 will again be directed by Ryan Coogler. It will see Letitia Wright reprising her role of Shuri and Winston Duke returning as M’Baku.

Released in 2022, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ended with a major revelation. In the film’s closing moments, Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) introduced her young son, Toussaint, who was revealed to be the son of King T’Challa. Although the studio has not revealed the details, the film’s release after Avengers: Secret Wars has sparked speculation that events in the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe could play a role.

The Black Panther franchise began with the record-breaking 2018 film starring the late Chadwick Boseman as King T’Challa. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the movie also featured Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke and Angela Bassett in key roles.

Talking about David Jonsson, he began his career on the West End, winning a Black British Theatre Award for his performance in the play and breathe… (2021). He is known for his performance in Industry (2020–22), as well as his roles in the films Rye Lane (2023), Alien: Romulus (2024), and The Long Walk (2025).