Summary
With such a focus on the all new additions to the MCU, like Robert Downey Jr.’s Dr. Doom and the Fantastic Four film currently in production, it seemed likeBlack Pantherhad been pushed to the back burner for a bit. Now that is far from the case.
Not much is known about the plot of the third film in theBlack Panthertrilogy, which was originally led by Chadwick Boseman before his untimely passing in 2020. Marvel Studios made thesomewhat controversial decision not to recast his character(T’Challa, AKA the titular hero), and instead its 2022 sequelBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverwas a tale about coping with grief and preserving a legacy. It saw his sister Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, taking up the mantle in his stead and protecting Wakanda against a surprising (and aquatic) new threat. The film was well-reviewed, but left some pondering what would come next for this corner of the MCU. The ending implied T’Challa’s secret son (which was a major reveal in itself) would be next in line. It’s also worth noting that film introduced Riri Williams,a character set to lead her own Disney+ show in 2025. There are endless directions to take it, but apparently one veteran actor will be joining the cast in a mystery role.
Denzel Washington unexpectedly dropped the announcement in aninterview with Australian talk show TODAY, while promoting his upcoming film Gladiator II. The actor stated that he doesn’t plan to do many more films and is mainly interested in working with “the best” and doing things he hasn’t gotten to before. Although there seems to be a lot of Shakespeare in his near future too, signaling a return to form for Washington as well. The biggest shocker, though, was the statement that Ryan Coogler (who directed both previousBlack Pantherfilms) is writing a part inBlack Panther 3for him right now. He wouldn’t– or more likely couldn’t– say anything more, but that kernel of information alone was enough to send the internet into a frenzy of excitement.
This has proven to be a thrilling development for fans of Marvel and Washington alike. It’s bittersweet too, considering the Academy Award winner’s relationship with Boseman. During aspeech paying tribute to his work, Boseman revealed that Washington anonymously paid for him and a few other students to study at Oxford for a summer acting program. In his words, “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington. And not just because of me, but my whole cast. That generation stands on your shoulders.” Now, Washington is getting to bring things full circle and fulfill a prophecy, of sorts.
The term ‘superhero fatigue’ has been thrown around a lot lately, specifically in regard to Marvel films. However, the trailers and teasers that have been released at conventions these past few months have been met with extreme excitement and praise from fans. The future of the MCU seems brighter than it has in a long while, and the addition of such an iconic actor only solidifies that. It’s extra fitting that Washington is joining the segment of the franchise that has already been nominated for (and won) several Oscars. Could he make up for Angela Bassett’s loss and become the first actor to win for a Marvel film? Time will tell.
