The third installment of Black Panther has finally been confirmed, with a veteran actor set to join the film’s cast. The 2018 movie introduced the MCU superhero of the same name, played by the late Chadwick Boseman. Following the loss of Boseman's T'Challa, Letitia Wright’s Shuri stepped up as a worthy successor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
While fans highly anticipated a third installment, director Ryan Coogler had not confirmed production details or casting—until now. However, recent news has confirmed that Black Panther 3 is in production and has also added a veteran actor to its cast.
In an interview with The Today Show Australia, Denzel Washington confirmed that he is joining the MCU and will have a part in the upcoming Black Panther 3.
More about the actor's confirmation on his role in the film in our story.
Details on Denzel Washington's entry in the MCU with Balck Panther 3
Denzel Washington, as the veteran actor has been a part of many films and projects in his career. The 70-year-old actor's latest project is Gladiator II.
While there were rumors about makers offering Washington a part in many MCU projects, there was no confirmation on the actor's part. Finally, during a recent interview with Today Show Australia on his press tour for Gladiator II, Washington confirmed his role in Ryan Coogler's upcoming Black Panther 3.
''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.''
The actor's confirmation of his role in the movie is also good news for fans eagerly waiting for the franchise's return. While Coogler expressed interest in keeping the franchise alive back in 2022, there has been no news about the third installment.
In the same interview, the actor also discussed his retirement plans, revealing that he has become very picky about his projects and only wants to work with the best in the final years of his acting career.
Although Washington didn’t provide further details about his character or role in the film, it is confirmed that the veteran actor will appear in the upcoming superhero movie.
What connection does Denzel Washington share with Black Panther Chadwick Boseman?
Chadwick Boseman played the titular character of an African Superhero in the 2018 Black Panther. He sadly passed away on August 28, 2020, after battling cancer.
Denzel Washington's casting in the movie is especially meaningful because the veteran actor shares a connection with the movie's original hero Chadwick Boseman.
In a tribute speech for Washington at the 47th American Film Institute Life Achievement Award ceremony in 2019, Boseman said:
“There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”
The actor also revealed that Washington had paid for Boseman's acting school one summer. He shares deep respect and gratitude towards the actor who helped him in his career.
In the speech, Boseman honored Washington at the 47th American Film Institute Life Achievement Award ceremony in 2019.
“My whole cast stands on your shoulders”
He further said:
“The daily battles won, the thousand territories gained, the many sacrifices you made for the culture on film sets through your career, the things you refused to compromise along the way lay the blueprints for us to follow.”
Washington's casting in a movie that continues Boseman's legacy marks a significant moment in the franchise. Given the shared history between the two actors, his role is likely to hold special meaning within the series.
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