‘Black Panther’ Star Talks Denzel Washington and Recasting T’Challa

With Marvel Studios set to return to Wakanda for Black Panther 3, numerous questions have begun to emerge.

While most Marvel film announcements are carefully planned out and traditionally coincide with a showcase like San Diego Comic-Con, it was  Denzel Washington who accidentally revealed that a third Black Panther film was in development.

Photo: BET

“I played Othello at 22. I am about to play Othello at 70,” he told Australia Today. “After that, I am playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking to Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’ After that, I’m going to do the film ‘Othello,’ After that, I’m going to do King Lear. After that, I’m going to retire.”

Lupita Nyong’o Weighs in on ‘Black Panther 3’

Washington’s comments understandably sent shockwaves through the Marvel universe, as a Black Panther 3 had not been announced. Subsequently, Marvel Studios confirmed that the film was happening.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lupita Nyong’o, who portrays Nakia in the MCU, was asked about Black Panther 3 and Washington’s role in the film.

Photo: Comic Book

“Well, I won’t believe it until I hear it from Ryan himself, because what if Denzel has a role and I don’t?” she said. “Let me stay humble and ignorant until the leader of the pack actually says something.”

Will Marvel Recast T’Challa?

The other major rumor surrounding Black Panther 3 is that Marvel will finally recast the role of T’Challa.

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Chadwick Boseman as T’Chaka/Black Panther

When asked about the possibility of another actor filling Chadwick Boseman’s shoes, Nyong’o once again took a wait-and-see approach.

“Honestly, I do not put any energy into trying to imagine a future that I have no control of,” she said. “So we’ll see. And when we know more, we’ll know more.”

All Eyes on Ryan Coogler

While Marvel has confirmed that Black Panther 3 is on the way, the studio has yet to announce a release date for the film. Based on everything we hear, it sounds like Coogler is still writing the film.

Source: Boston.com

With the Marvel multiverse set to come together for the events of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the studio has a chance to recast T’Challa. As Nyong’o says, however, that decision is likely up to the director.

Hopefully, we learn more soon.