Marvel Studios and director Ryan Coogler decided not to recast the role of T’Challa in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever after Chadwick Boseman’s death in 2020, but there are strong assumptions that Damson Idris could be the next King of Wakanda.
Rumors have it that Marvel is now open to recasting Black Panther, especially as the studio prepares for a reset following Avengers: Secret Wars. With T’Challa’s possible appearance in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars, will fans see the F1 star take on the mantle?
Will Damson Idris Be the New Black Panther?
Rumors about Idris joining the MCU as the next Black Panther began swirling in early 2025. Since then, he has addressed the claims, though without actually confirming them.
Back in July 2025, he neither confirmed nor denied the talks about becoming the next T’Challa in an interview with Today.
“Yes – no,” he said.
The interviewer then implied that his answer could mean yes, but Idris quickly rebutted, stressing, “It could mean no.”
However, when asked whether he would accept the role if Marvel formally offered it to him, he gave a resounding “yes.”
So while Idris stopped short of confirming the possibility of becoming the new Black Panther, his responses seemed to hint at it.
In fact, he added more fuel to the fire when he attended Vogue World: Hollywood 2025, a Black Panther–themed event, alongside Angela Bassett and Danai Gurira, who appeared in their Queen Ramonda and Okoye costumes.
So, was it a sign that Ramonda was already welcoming Idris as the new T’Challa? While the British actor wasn’t wearing a Black Panther–inspired outfit himself, the moment felt like a subtle hint nonetheless.
Did Damson Idris Hint He Will Be Part of Black Panther 3?
Well, it’s already 2026, and the rumors about Idris becoming the new Black Panther refuse to die. Once again, he addressed the persistent speculation during the 2026 Golden Globes pre-show red carpet.
“I am thankful to the fans. Of course, it’s rumors, but I love the movie. I love that world,” he told Variety. “I’m glad that everyone’s seeing the future of that too, because it’s moving in a brilliant direction. And I’m excited for the third Black Panther.”
With his mention of Black Panther and his enthusiasm for the franchise, paired with his ambiguous answers, it appears that Idris may know something fans don’t.
Sure, he hasn’t given a definitive answer when asked whether he will become the new Black Panther, but MCU stars are well known for signing strict secrecy agreements, meaning they’re not allowed to reveal details about their Marvel projects unless the studio formally announces them.
So whether Idris will play an alternate version of T’Challa or a grown-up version of his son, T’Challa II, as the next ruler and protector of Wakanda, only time will tell.
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