Marvel Studios has officially unveiled the next Black Panther. During its Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, the studio confirmed that British actor David Jonsson will lead Black Panther 3 as the adult Prince T’Challa II, carrying the legacy of Wakanda into a new era.

Director Ryan Coogler appeared on stage alongside Jonsson and returning stars Letitia Wright and Winston Duke to announce the highly anticipated sequel, which is set to arrive exclusively in theaters on Dec. 15, 2028.

Jonsson will portray the grown-up version of Prince T’Challa II, also known as Toussaint, the son of T’Challa and Nakia. The character first appeared as a young boy during the post-credits scene of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The upcoming film will follow his coming-of-age journey as he prepares to embrace his destiny as Wakanda’s future king.

Reflecting on the story’s direction, Coogler reminded fans that the previous film introduced T’Challa’s son before revealing what lies ahead.

“The last time we made a movie, we introduced the son of the character the great Chadwick Boseman played,” Coogler told the Hall H crowd. “In this next film, he grows up. He comes of age.”

The announcement sparked a standing ovation as Jonsson walked onto the stage for the first time as Marvel’s newest leading hero.

“Thank you Ryan, thank you Kevin, and thank you to this incredible family that I have the honor, privilege and blessing to join,” the actor said.

Jonsson chose not to reveal any story details, telling fans he wanted to “let the screen do the talking,” before adding, “The honor is entirely mine.”

Soon after the panel, he shared the film’s release date on social media with a simple message: “A privilege, an honor. 12.15.28.”

The sequel will also reunite several familiar faces. Letitia Wright returns as Shuri, who assumed the Black Panther mantle in Wakanda Forever, while Winston Duke reprises his role as M’Baku. Academy Award winner Denzel Washington has also joined the cast, although Marvel has not yet revealed which character he will play.

Coogler is back in the director’s chair after helming both Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). The filmmaker also confirmed that Black Panther 3 will become the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film shot entirely on large-format celluloid, giving the blockbuster a distinctive cinematic look.

Jonsson’s career has steadily gained momentum over the past few years with acclaimed performances in Industry, Rye Lane, Alien: Romulus, and The Long Walk. Landing the role of Black Panther marks the biggest milestone of his career so far, placing him at the center of one of Marvel’s most beloved franchises.

Rather than recasting Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, Marvel has chosen to continue the story through his son, allowing a new generation to inherit the mantle while honoring the legacy Boseman created. With Jonsson stepping into the role and Coogler once again guiding Wakanda’s future, Black Panther 3 is shaping up to begin an exciting new chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film is scheduled to premiere exclusively in theaters on Dec. 15, 2028.