In a landmark announcement for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington has officially been cast in Black Panther 3. Director Ryan Coogler confirmed the news during his appearance on Carmelo Anthony’s “7 p.m. in Brooklyn” podcast on June 5, 2025. This casting marks a significant milestone, uniting one of Hollywood’s most revered talents with a franchise celebrated for its cultural impact while also signaling Washington’s debut in the superhero genre.
The path to Washington’s casting unfolded over several months, beginning with a hint from the actor himself. In November 2024, during an interview with Australia’s Today Show, Washington revealed,
“Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther.”
The casual remark ignited widespread speculation and excitement among fans and media alike. However, Washington later regretted the premature disclosure, contacting Coogler to apologize for “spilling” the news. Reflecting on the incident in Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, he praised Coogler as a “genius” and admitted he had spoken too soon.
The speculation ended on June 5, 2025, when Coogler put all doubts to rest on the podcast. Responding to a question about Washington’s involvement, he exclaimed,
“That’s a big f–k with it. You crazy?”
He confirmed that he is crafting a specific role for Washington, adding,
“There’s no fiction out there about that.”
This official announcement solidified Washington’s MCU position and validated his earlier hint.
For Ryan Coogler, directing Washington in Black Panther 3 fulfills a career-long ambition. During the podcast, he shared that he has “been trying to work with him since day one,” underscoring his admiration for the actor he calls “the greatest living actor.” Coogler’s respect goes beyond professional esteem; he described Washington as “family at this point” and emphasized his cultural significance, saying,
“And in terms of what he means to our culture, forget about it.”
Their collaboration results from extended discussions, with Coogler noting that he has “been talking to him about this for a long time.” Washington’s initial reveal caught the director off guard but only highlighted the mutual enthusiasm for the project. This partnership promises to bring Coogler’s vision and Washington’s unparalleled talent together in a way that could redefine expectations for the franchise.
At 70, Denzel Washington remains selective about his roles, making his decision to join Black Panther 3 particularly noteworthy. In his November 2024 Today Show interview, he explained,
“I’m only interested in working with the best,” adding that he doesn’t “know how many more films I’m going to make, probably not that many.”
His upcoming slate includes reprising Othello, portraying Hannibal, collaborating with Steve McQueen, and now entering the MCU—a lineup that reflects his pursuit of challenging, high-caliber projects.
This role marks Washington’s first venture into superhero cinema, a departure from his dramatic roots. His choice to join Black Panther 3 signals confidence in Coogler’s direction and a willingness to explore new territory late in his illustrious career. This move into blockbuster franchise filmmaking is an exciting evolution for an actor known for powerful performances in films like Malcolm X and Training Day.
The Black Panther series has been a cultural juggernaut since its 2018 debut, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide and earned critical acclaim for its representation and storytelling. The franchise faced a turning point with Chadwick Boseman’s passing in 2020, but Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) honored his legacy while paving new narrative paths. Though Marvel Studios has not yet formally announced Black Panther 3, Washington’s casting confirms its development and underscores the studio’s commitment to the franchise’s future.
Washington’s casting has sparked widespread excitement in the entertainment industry and among fans. As a cinematic icon, his presence elevates the MCU’s credibility and proves its ability to attract top-tier talent. Culturally, his role in Black Panther 3 is a symbolic triumph, aligning with the franchise’s mission to deliver nuanced portrayals of Black characters and communities. While details about his character remain under wraps, the anticipation surrounding his contribution is palpable, promising to amplify the film’s impact.
