The Marvel Cinematic Universe has attracted the likes of legendary Hollywood stars, including Michael Douglas, Anthony Hopkins, and most recently Harrison Ford. Now the latest Oscar-winning icon has confirmed his inevitable arrival into the MCU: Denzel Washington. While not the rumored fan casting of Magneto in an MCU X-Men reboot, Washington will be playing a significant role in Black Panther 3.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, the actor best known for Glory, Training Day, and The Equalizer trilogy appeared on Australia Channel 9’s The Today Show to promote his upcoming part in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II. Addressing his career future, Washington dropped the bombshell about the third Black Panther installment being written by franchise director Ryan Coogler:
“At this point in my career, I’m only interested in working with the best, I don’t know how many more films I will make, probably not that many. I want to do things that I haven’t done. I played Othello at 22, I’m now going to play it at 70. After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther.”
Washington did not disclose the character that Coogler is planning for him, Since the news broke, Marvel Studios has not made an official announcement on Black Panther 3’s development. With the recent release date shuffles to conclude the Multiverse Saga, the latest MCU fans might see another Black Panther movie as soon as 2028 after Avengers: Secret Wars hits cinemas.
At the time of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s release in 2022, star Letitia Wright addressed the length of time it would take to make a third film happen.
“I think it’s already in the works. It’s gonna take a while, but really excited for you guys to see that.”
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Despite confirmation about Coogler’s involvement, it is unknown if he will be back in the director’s chair. He is currently in post-production on the Michael B. Jordan-led period thriller Sinners set for release in March 2025. Additionally, Coogler serves as executive producer of the Black Panther animated spinoff Eyes of Wakanda. The a 4-part series scheduled to be released on Disney+ on August 6, 2025.
What do you think of Denzel Washington joining the MCU? Let us know in the comments.
