Black Panther 3 is one of the MCU’s most hotly anticipated upcoming releases, but there has been scant information regarding its progress. Black Panther has appeared prominently throughout the MCU timeline since the hero debuted in Captain America: Civil War. After two highly popular solo movies, Black Panther will surely play a vital part in the MCU’s future. While Marvel has proffered little update, there have been some hints about the project’s progress.

Black Panther was introduced in Civil War, played by Chadwick Boseman. Boseman’s Black Panther, aka T’Challa, then appeared in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Boseman, however, sadly died just before filming the Black Panther sequel. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever dealt with Boseman’s death, and depicted Letitia Wright’s Shuri becoming the next Black Panther – much like her character did in the comics. Wright’s Shuri is presumed to play a vital role moving forward, including starring in Black Panther 3.

Letitia Wright Discussed Black Panther 3 In 2023

Wright Also Discussed Shuri’s Future In 2024

In 2023, Letitia Wright shared some exciting news with Variety about the future of the Black Panther franchise. Wright confirmed that Black Panther 3 was already in development. This announcement sparked a wave of anticipation regarding the direction the beloved series would take, especially following the significant impact of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which dealt with the poignant loss of Chadwick Boseman and the original Black Panther

In 2024, Wright further teased Shuri’s future in the MCU during an appearance on The View. She hinted at substantial developments for her character, saying, “There’s a lot to, a lot to — a lot coming up.” This cryptic yet promising statement could be alluding to several upcoming MCU projects. Shuri’s Black Panther is presumed to play a role in Avengers 5 and Avengers: Secret War, much as her predecessor did in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Black Panther 3 Still Isn’t Officially Announced

Black Panther 3 Has Been Strongly Suggested

Despite these teases by Letitia Wright, Black Panther 3 has not been officially confirmed by Marvel Studios. However, considering the previous successes, it’s almost certainly in Marvel’s future. The original Black Panther, released in 2018, was a groundbreaking film that shattered box office records and achieved significant cultural and critical acclaim.

Black Panther grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Beyond its financial success, Black Panther earned Marvel its first Academy Award, winning three Oscars for Best Original Score, Best Costume Design, and Best Production Design. The movie was also notable for focusing on black superheroes and characters, in a genre that typically favors white Americans. Black Panther’s powerful narrative, centered on themes of heritage, identity, and leadership, resonated with audiences globally and cemented its place as a landmark in cinema.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever continued the franchise’s success. It garnered substantial box office earnings and widespread critical praise, particularly for its handling of Chadwick Boseman’s tragic death. The sequel effectively honored Boseman’s legacy while introducing new characters and plotlines, keeping the series fresh and engaging.

Disney announced plans to focus on Marvel’s more established and popular franchises moving forward. The company admitted that the MCU may have been a bit overzealous in adapting lesser-known characters into movies and miniseries. With its immense popularity and prosperity, Disney must surely consider Black Panther a cornerstone MCU character.

Given this, it is highly plausible that Black Panther 3 is actively being developed. Indeed, Black Panther’s impact on the superhero genre, cultural representation, and global box office demonstrates its significance. While the specifics of Black Panther 3 remain uncertain, the franchise’s past success strongly suggests that Marvel will continue to explore and develop its rich and compelling world.

MCU’s Upcoming Black Panther Series May Set Up Black Panther 3

Marvel Is Producing Up To 3 Wakanda Shows

Marvel Studios has been actively developing up to three miniseries set around Black Panther and Wakanda. The first of these, MCU’s Eye of Wakanda, is an animated series poised to delve deep into the storied history of the fictional African nation. This series will explore Wakanda’s origins, its advanced technologies, and the pivotal moment of its acquisition of Vibranium, the rare and powerful metal that underpins much of its technological prowess and cultural heritage.

In addition to Eye of Wakanda, Marvel has announced two more Black Panther series, one of which is simply titled Wakanda. Among these projects, one is expected to focus on Okoye, the fierce and loyal leader of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda’s elite all-female warrior group. Okoye, portrayed by Danai Gurira, has been a standout character in the MCU, admired for her strength, honor, and deep connection to Wakanda’s traditions.

These miniseries are strategically positioned to expand the narrative universe of Wakanda and set the stage for Black Panther 3. Eye of Wakanda will offer a historical perspective, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of Wakanda’s cultural and technological evolution. By exploring ancient stories and legends, this series can introduce historical elements and characters that may become crucial in future films. This historical context can enrich the themes of heritage and cultural history that have been central to the Black Panther saga.

The other series, particularly the one centered on Okoye, can introduce new characters, both allies and adversaries, who could play significant roles in Black Panther 3. These series have the potential to develop new narrative arcs, explore uncharted aspects of Wakandan society, and flesh out the political and social dynamics within the nation. By doing so, they can lay the groundwork for new plots and conflicts that the third film can build upon.

Why Black Panther 3 Might Not Happen Until After The Multiverse Saga

Black Panther 3 Will Likely Appear After Phase 6

Black Panther 3 will probably not be released until after the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga. This is primarily due to Marvel Studios’ meticulously planned slate of movies leading up to the epic finale of Avengers 5 and Secret Wars. The MCU’s Phase Four and beyond have been strategically structured to culminate in these two highly anticipated movies, which will likely bring together various storylines and characters from across the multiverse.

Given the comprehensive nature of Marvel’s planning, it’s improbable that there will be significant deviations from the current roadmap. The studio’s commitment to a cohesive narrative arc means that introducing a standalone Black Panther 3 before the end of the Multiverse Saga would disrupt the established flow of events. Incorporating another major film would require adjustments to an already packed schedule, which could undermine the buildup leading to the Avengers crescendo.

Therefore, it is more likely that Black Panther 3 will emerge as a significant component of the next MCU saga. This approach allows Marvel to continue expanding the Black Panther storyline without disrupting narrative momentum. It also provides an opportunity to further develop Shuri’s character and Wakanda’s role in the broader MCU before embarking on the next solo Black Panther movie.

Sources: Variety, The View