Ryan Coogler confirms Black Panther 3 as next film project after Sinners success

Ryan Coogler has officially confirmed that Black Panther 3 will be his next feature film, marking the director’s return to the Marvel franchise after the success of Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). The filmmaker shared the update during Deadline’s Contenders event, where he revealed that development on the third installment is already underway.

According to Deadline, Coogler stated that he and his team are “working hard” on the project and identified it as his immediate priority. While he did not disclose production timelines or plot details, industry speculation suggests that the film could occupy Marvel Studios’ unannounced release slot on 18 February 2028, aligning with Coogler’s pattern of releasing major titles every few years.

Coogler’s confirmation follows a notably busy period for the director, whose Southern Gothic horror film Sinners earned significant critical and commercial acclaim earlier this year. Despite the momentum of that release, Coogler appears eager to return to Wakanda and complete the trilogy.

At this stage, substantive details about the storyline remain limited. One of the few known elements comes from Denzel Washington, who revealed last year that he is expected to appear in the upcoming sequel in a highly secretive role—an admission that drew widespread attention given Marvel’s tendency toward confidentiality. It is still unclear whether Letitia Wright’s Shuri will continue as the titular hero, whether T’Challa’s son will assume a larger role, or whether the film will introduce a new Black Panther altogether, particularly given Marvel’s multiverse direction following Secret Wars.

For now, fans await further announcements regarding casting, plot direction, and production timelines. While no release date has been announced and filming has not yet begun, Coogler’s involvement alone has already renewed excitement for the next chapter in the franchise. As the filmmaker continues his collaboration with Marvel Studios, anticipation for the return to Wakanda remains high.