Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has opened up about the casting process behind the next Black Panther, revealing that the selection of David Jonsson came about through a covert encounter that almost no one knew about. In an interview with Empire magazine, Feige shared the story of how "The Long Walk" star Jonsson came to the attention of franchise director Ryan Coogler and ultimately landed one of the most significant roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
A Timeline Accelerated by Intuition
Feige explained that Marvel had not even initiated a casting search when Coogler first reached out with a recommendation. At the time, the director was deeply committed to his work on the film "Sinners," and the studio's operating assumption was that any conversations about the next Black Panther would wait until after that project's release and the conclusion of the Academy Awards season.
The plan changed roughly six weeks before the intended start of that process. Coogler called Feige to announce that he had already found his leading man. He identified David Jonsson by name and referenced his filmography. Feige, who had already seen some of Jonsson's work, sought out additional performances and came away impressed.
A Clandestine Hotel Encounter
Coogler then arranged a private meeting with Jonsson, which Feige described as taking place under the cover of darkness at a hotel. The secrecy of the encounter underscored how quickly the director had become convinced that Jonsson was the right choice for the role.
Following the meeting, Coogler called Feige to share his conviction. The director expressed that he felt the decision on a deeply personal level, describing Jonsson as a good person and declaring him the next Black Panther. Feige recalled being physically affected by the conversation — experiencing chills and becoming emotional — before giving his approval to move forward.
The studio subsequently kept the casting confidential for approximately five to six months before making any public disclosure.
The Next Chapter in Wakanda
Jonsson will step into the role of T'Challa's son, Prince T'Challa II, in "Black Panther 3." The film is slated to reach theaters on December 15, 2028. The story will follow the young prince as he grows into adulthood and takes on the Black Panther mantle, continuing the legacy established within the franchise.