Letitia Wright reacts to David Jonsson's 'Black Panther 3' casting

Letitia Wright says she's excited to mentor David Jonsson after his 'Black Panther 3' casting as Prince T'Challa

Letitia Wright has shared her reaction to David Jonsson joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Prince T'Challa's son in Black Panther 3, following the surprise announcement at San Diego Comic-Con.

Marvel Studios revealed during its Comic-Con panel that Jonsson will play Prince T'Challa's son, with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler confirming the casting as part of the studio's upcoming plans for the franchise.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly after the panel, Wright said she was especially pleased by the announcement because of her existing friendship with Jonsson.

“The news was really beautiful to hear because I have a personal connection to David,” Wright said.

She added that the pair were still processing the moment together.

“To see the full circle of that today, I’m still living in it. We’re both still checking in with each other about it.”

Wright first portrayed Shuri in 2018's Black Panther before taking on the mantle of Black Panther in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever following the death of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa.

The film concluded by revealing that Nakia had secretly been raising her son with T'Challa, whose Wakandan name was also revealed to be T'Challa, setting up the character's future in the franchise.

Reflecting on the next chapter, Wright suggested Shuri will help guide the young prince.

“She now has that mantle to pass on, and [that] guidance and the wisdom,” she said. “I’m going to have a really, really good time, a lot of fun — and I’m going to pick on him so much.”

Wright also spoke about Shuri's development ahead of Avengers: Doomsday, which takes place before Black Panther 3.

“In terms of what Shuri means to him, you know, Shuri’s gone through so much,” she said. “And in this film, Doomsday, we see her growth, we see her fully in this position as Black Panther, but also just as a renewed woman, and powerful and strong.”

Jonsson, who became known through roles in Industry, Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk, also addressed the audience after his casting was announced.

“I want to say thank you so much. Thank you, Ryan. Thank you, [Kevin Feige]. Thank you to this amazing family that I honor, [it’s] a privilege and blessing to join,” he said.

“I don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking, but believe me, the honor is entirely mine.”