'Black Panther' actor Winston Duke reacts to David Jonsson casting

• Black Panther 3 is scheduled for release in cinemas on December 15, 2028.
• David Jonsson joins the cast as the grown son of character T’Challa.
• Director Ryan Coogler announced the news during San Diego Comic-Con alongside cast members.

Black Panther actor Winston Duke offered words of support and encouragement to actor David Jonsson after Marvel Studios announced Jonsson as Prince T'Challa's grown son in the upcoming sequel Black Panther 3 at San Diego Comic-Con. Director Ryan Coogler took the stage during the weekend event to reveal that the third instalment will arrive in cinemas on December 15, 2028, introducing Jonsson as the adult version of the character first seen at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Deadline reported that Duke spoke with Jonsson for the first time earlier that day before joining him onstage alongside Coogler, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, and actor Letitia Wright. Reflecting on his own experience joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Duke explained that he wanted to extend the same welcoming environment that he received when starting his feature film career. The actor, who portrays the warrior M'Baku, expressed a desire to provide guidance and psychological safety to the franchise newcomer.

Duke shared that Black Panther represented his very first feature film, where he was invited to create something special within a safe and supportive space. He stated that he wanted to let Jonsson know that the returning cast members are present to support, help, and augment his efforts so that he can perform his best work on set. Summarising his initial conversation with his new co-star, Duke revealed that he kept his core message simple by telling Jonsson to come play.

During the panel presentation, Coogler specifically highlighted Jonsson's recent work in last year's film The Long Walk, which was directed by filmmaker Francis Lawrence. Jonsson's character expands upon the narrative storyline established in the second film, continuing the royal lineage of Wakanda in the cinematic universe. The upcoming sequel marks another major chapter for Marvel Studios, with production details and further casting announcements expected ahead of its planned December 2028 theatrical debut.