Ryan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington's "Black Panther 3" Role

According to T.I. and "Black Panther" director Ryan Coogler, Denzel Washington was all but set to appear in "Black Panther 3." You heard that right: two power players of black Hollywood finally join forces on a project brewing for years behind the scenes.

Coogler didn't sugar-coat how powerful this casting is during a recent sit-down on the 7 p.m. in Brooklyn podcast. "There's nothing out there fiction-wise," he said. "Denzel is family at this point … I've been trying to work with him since day one."

The 39-year-old filmmaker, who directed Black Panther (2018) and was in the process of working on Wakanda Forever (2022), has previously spoken out about his admiration for the two-time Academy Award winner. And now, following years of veiled hints and private conversations, the partnership is not just wishful thinking but a circular moment in the motion of becoming.

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"I just think he's the greatest living actor," Coogler said, his voice compressed with awe. "Then you look at what he means to our culture and forget about it.

It may be remembered that last year, Washington matter-of-factly dropped a bombshell while promoting Gladiator 2, saying that Coogler was "writing a part for me in the next Black Panther." At the time, it had the ring of one of those too-good-to-be-true soundbites. Coogler has practically said as much already that it was not a hollow promise. "I was shocked he brought it up," Coogler laughed. "But it's not as if it's not true."

The Black Panther franchise has never been afraid to showcase powerhouse talent. From the late, great Chadwick Boseman, who originated the role of T'Challa and gave that character soul, to a supporting cast that features names like Lupita Nyong'o, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Michael B. Jordan, the bar has always been set at Stratospheric levels. Throwing Denzel Washington's name into the mix doesn't elevate it but propels the entire question into a whole other stratosphere.

Washington's role remains tightly under wraps, but considering his presence, it's probably safe to say he won't be lurking in the background. Whether he's serving as a Wakandan elder, a rival king, or an all-new figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there will be something memorable to anticipate for fans.

So when is Black Panther 3 going to drop officially? The vibranium vault is staying locked for the time being at Marvel Studios. But once Washington was on board and Coogler was directing, the excitement went through the roof. This news is like a powerful heartbeat in a 007 era when the world is always starving for more depth, representation, and soul in its blockbusters.