Michael B. Jordan is hyped for the future of Marvel‘s “Black Panther” franchise following David Jonsson‘s casting in the lead role for its forthcoming third installment.
Jordan, who played villain Erik Killmonger opposite the late Chadwick Boseman in the previous films, seems to approve of the decision, calling Jonsson’s casting “amazing.”
The Oscar winner has also been vocal about Boseman’s legacy since his death and has referenced his late co-star in several heartfelt remarks.
Michael B. Jordan has broken his silence following Marvel Studios’ major San Diego Comic-Con announcement that British actor David Jonsson will lead “Black Panther 3.”
Speaking on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” on Monday, Jordan, who starred as Erik Killmonger in 2018’s “Black Panther” and reprised the role in 2022’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” couldn’t contain his excitement when asked about the casting. “Oh, I love it. It’s amazing! I can’t wait, can’t wait!” he said enthusiastically, per Entertainment Tonight.
David Jonsson Wins Over Marvel Fans
Jonsson’s casting as the new Black Panther was announced during Marvel’s presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, where franchise director Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige introduced him alongside returning cast members Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri, and Winston Duke, who portrays M’Baku.
Jonsson, best known for his standout performances in “Alien: Romulus” and “Industry,” will portray the grown-up son of King T’Challa and Nakia, played by the late Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o, respectively.
As he soaked in the roaring applause from the crowd, the 32-year-old placed one hand over his heart before thanking Marvel fans.
“I want to say thank you so much,” he began in a viral social media clip. “Thank you, Ryan. Thank you, Kevin. Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and privilege and blessing to join.”
Marvel Charts A New Path For Black Panther
For the 2022 sequel, Marvel chose not to recast Boseman’s T’Challa, instead focusing on the character’s death and the grief that spread throughout Wakanda.
However, the child introduced in the film’s mid-credits scene will now become central to the franchise, giving Marvel a way to continue T’Challa’s bloodline without replacing Boseman’s portrayal.
For Jonsson, joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe is both an honor and a major responsibility. While addressing the cheering crowd, he avoided revealing details about the upcoming film and instead let his gratitude take center stage. “I actually don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking,” he said. “And believe me, the honor is entirely mine. Thank you.”
Letitia Wright Teases Wakanda’s Next Chapter
Wright, who debuted as Wakandan princess Shuri in the first “Black Panther” film, assumed the Black Panther mantle after T’Challa’s death in the opening scenes of “Wakanda Forever.”
Reacting to Jonsson’s casting, she described the announcement as a beautiful moment, especially because the pair already share a personal connection.
“The news was really beautiful to hear because I have a personal connection to David,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “To see the full circle of that today, I’m still living in it. We’re both still checking in with each other about it.”
She also hinted that Shuri will help guide her nephew as he steps into a larger role within Wakanda.
“I’m going to have a really, really good time, a lot of fun,” she added. “I’m going to pick on him so much.”
Michael B. Jordan Continues Honoring Chadwick Boseman
Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether Jordan, a longtime Ryan Coogler collaborator, will appear in the new installment, which is reportedly expected to film on 70mm and arrive in theaters in December 2028.
Since Boseman’s death from colon cancer in 2020 at age 43, the “Creed” star has continued honoring his former co-star, often reflecting on their close friendship and the lasting impact Boseman had on his career.
“One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked, and now the truth of that means more to me than ever,” Jordan wrote in a tribute following Boseman’s passing, per The Hollywood Reporter. “I wish we had more time.”
Earlier this year, while accepting the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Jordan again spoke about Boseman, saying he felt his presence while filming “Sinners.”
“I loved that guy so much,” Jordan said. “And it saddens me every time I think about it that I won’t get a chance to work with him again.”
