MarvelBlog News for June 8th, 2025
Marvel finally got its man. We’ll discuss what this means in MarvelBlog News.
This Is My Shocked Face
Photo: BET
In a stunning twist that literally nobody saw coming, Denzel Washington is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
Yes, one of the greatest living actors – Black Panther director Ryan Coogler claims this person is THE greatest living actor – has signed one for Black Panther 3.
Source: CNN
That actor is Denzel Washington, and you shouldn’t be surprised. MarvelBlog first hinted at this possibility in 2022.
Over the past twelve months, MarvelBlog has discussed the possibility at least nine times. So, yeah, you should have been paying attention.
In fact, during the November 17th edition of MarvelBlog News last year, I explicitly discussed this “rumor.”
I feel weird even calling the story a rumor, as the source was none other than Denzel Washington.
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
In case you don’t realize it, the top actors in Hollywood often fill up their dance cards many years in advance.
The agents for these performers line up a series of upcoming projects to ensure that the actor knows their schedule for the next several years.
So, Denzel Washington likely agreed to star in this particular Marvel film quite a while ago. It just didn’t come out until now.
Okay, it didn’t come out until Washington let it slip last November. And I should add that he felt bad about it.
Source: Marvel Studios
In another edition of MarvelBlog News six months ago, I mentioned that Washington had reached out to apologize to the film’s director.
Importantly, that director is…Ryan Coogler. So, I’m guessing Coogler wasn’t that upset, given that he had snagged his favorite actor on the planet.
You’re probably wondering what happened, though, as well as what it all means. Well…
What Is Going On Here???
Photo: WireImage
Long story short, Chadwick Boseman died. I hate to remind you of something grim and so very sad, but that’s the reality of the situation.
Since then, the Black Panther franchise has been in shambles through no fault of anybody involved with the project.
Coogler elevated an obscure character into a pop culture icon, with Boseman doing much of the heavy lifting.
Once the very face of Black Panther had gone, Marvel was left scrambling to decide on what came next.
Source: Marvel Studios
To Coogler’s (extreme) credit, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever defied expectations.
The film earned back more than triple its budget, possibly even a factor of four more, on the way to $859 million in box office.
Photo: Vanity Fair
Also, Angela Bassett earned an Academy Award nomination (and nearly won) for her performance as the Queen of Wakanda.
There was just one little problem. Coogler turned her character into a noble leader who sacrificed her life to save a child. Bassett’s Queen Ramonda died.
Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
So, the Black Panther realm of the MCU has now lost two remarkable characters, leaving the relatively unproven Letitia Wright as the face of the franchise.
Let’s be honest that nobody was going to go watch a Black Panther movie for Letitia Wright, at least not yet. In a few years, who knows?
RGR86B LETITIA WRIGHT, BLACK PANTHER, 2018
So, if Marvel were to make a third Black Panther movie, it would need a hook.
Real talk: Can you name a better potential angle than the addition of Denzel freakin’ Washington to the cast?
Photo: PEOPLE
Washington is one of only a small handful of people on this planet who can say they have won not one but two Academy Awards for acting.
His presence in this film elevates its expectations as well as its box office potential.
The Other Good News
Denzel Washington with Virginia Ali at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Photo: Georgetown College
Remarkably, that’s not the only reason to be optimistic about Black Panther 3. In truth, it may only be the secondary one, and I say that as a Denzel superfan.
Coogler is on a heater right now. I’m talking about one of the greatest hot streaks in the history of Hollywood directors.
Photo: RogerEbert.com
In terms of 21st-century track records, I’m not sure anybody can match what Coogler has accomplished.
Here’s the list of Coogler’s films:
- Fruitvale Station – 94 percent fresh at Rotten Tomatoes after 212 reviews
- Creed – earned four times its budget and reinvigorated a dead franchise
- Black Panther — $1.35 billion in box office, Best Picture nominee
- Black Panther II – already discussed as box office and critic hit
- Sinners – massive blockbuster
Danai Gurira and Ryan Coogler. Photo: IndieWire
Sinners is the topic here that matters most, as this film has stunned everybody with its box office dominance.
Even after the film came out, critics inexplicably assailed the film as costing too much, which was nonsensical.
Photo: Shadow and Act
Coogler had the last laugh as Sinners became the most successful original IP since well before the pandemic. It’s a juggernaut.
What to Expect from Black Panther 3
Source: Marvel Studios
Even better, Coogler gains control of the franchise in 2050 as part of his agreement, meaning he’ll profit from this project in a way few directors ever have.
Coogler has entered the rarefied air of the greatest filmmakers of all time with the power that comes along with his lofty station.
Source: Marvel Studios
So, Marvel knew that they needed to entice Coogler to come back, and Denzel is apparently the lure here.
We don’t know literally anything about the story yet other than a few whispers and rumors, none of which are sure to be accurate.
Photo: Disney/Marvel
Still, I can say with confidence that Black Panther 3 will be a huuuuuuge success now that we know for sure Denzel Washington and Ryan Coogler are in control of the project.
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