After the breakout success of his supernatural thriller “Sinners”, Ryan Coogler has confirmed that “Black Panther 3” will be his next movie.
During Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles event on Nov. 15, 2025, Coogler revealed that the next chapter of the “Black Panther” saga is officially moving forward. Speaking with Deadline, the two-time Oscar nominee said, “If it were anyone but you, I would say I could neither confirm or deny. But we’re working on it, we’re working on it hard… It’s the next movie.”
The announcement marks Coogler’s long-awaited return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after directing the first two “Black Panther” films — 2018’s record-breaking hit starring the late Chadwick Boseman and its 2022 sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, which earned more than $859 million worldwide. The next film will continue the story of Wakanda following Letitia Wright’s Shuri taking on the mantle of the Black Panther.
Denzel Washington Could Join the Marvel Universe
Coogler also confirmed he still plans to collaborate with two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington on “Black Panther 3.” Speaking earlier this year on “The Nightcap” podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Coogler said he’s been “dying to work” with the Hollywood legend. “I’ve got every intention of working with him on that movie,” he said. “As long as he’s interested, man, it’s going to happen.”
Washington first sparked excitement in 2024 when he revealed that Coogler was “writing a part” for him in the next “Black Panther” film. He later told Variety that he called Coogler to apologize for letting the secret slip, adding, “Whatever he writes, I’ll read.”
While no release date has been set, the third installment is expected to arrive after “Avengers: Secret Wars” in Marvel’s Phase 7, continuing the franchise’s legacy while introducing new faces to Wakanda.
Fans React to Coogler’s Big Confirmation
Following Coogler’s announcement, fans took to Reddit to share their excitement and theories about what could come next for the “Black Panther” series.
“Always excited to see more Black Panther content. Can’t wait to see what happens! And what’s going on with Denzel’s character?” one user wrote. Another added, “Am I the only one who is fine with them not recasting T’Challa? I think focusing on the other Wakandans is probably the best solution they could do.”
The news comes as Sinners, Coogler’s R-rated thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, continues to draw strong reviews and box office numbers. With “Black Panther 3” now officially on deck, the director is preparing to return to Wakanda and possibly welcome Denzel Washington to the MCU.
