Marvel’s search for the future of Wakanda reportedly has already begun. According to new insider reports from May 2026, Marvel Studios has quietly started early casting discussions for the next actor connected to the Black Panther mantle, with two major names currently leading conversations inside the studio.
Industry insider Alex Perez recently claimed during a Cosmic Circus Q&A that Marvel is “actively looking for the next Black Panther as we speak.” While Kevin Feige and Marvel have not officially announced Black Panther 3, the report states that John David Washington and Damson Idris currently sit at the top of Marvel’s internal wishlist.
Marvel’s Black Panther Cast Candidates List
The actors have a lot of things in common besides being considered for the role of the next Black Panther. For instance, both of them have already proved themselves as excellent action leads. Moreover, they both fit the type of actors Marvel Studios usually tries to sign up.
Washington already carries blockbuster experience through films like Tenet and The Creator. His dramatic intensity and action background make him an obvious candidate for a character carrying the emotional and political weight of Wakanda.
The rumors also gain extra attention because his father, Denzel Washington, has repeatedly been linked to a mystery role in the next Black Panther film, with reports claiming director Ryan Coogler has wanted to work with him for years.
Damson Idris fits Marvel Studios’ strategy quite well since they always try to recruit rising stars. The actor starred as a lead in the hit TV series called Snowfall and then joined one of Brad Pitt’s big projects. These facts definitely prove that the actor is ready for the jump to blockbuster movies.
As for the biggest question here, it seems that no one knows who these two actors can play in Black Panther 3. According to the plot, after Chadwick Boseman’s death, the actor who played Shuri, Letitia Wright, took the mantle.
Therefore, one theory claims that Marvel Studios will cast John David Washington or Damson Idris to play some multiversal version of Black Panther. In addition to that, fans suggested that Marvel could cast one of these actors to play Toussaint, the baby introduced to us in the Black Panther 2 credits.
Speaking of other actors, Perez did mention that Marvel discussed the name of Lakeith Stanfield for something “bluer.” It seems that the studio has already chosen one of the mutants for the main role in their future X-Men reboot movie, probably Beast.
Until Marvel officially confirms development on Black Panther 3, the casting reports remain unverified. Still, the possibility of either Washington or Idris stepping into Wakanda instantly makes the sequel one of the MCU’s most closely watched future projects.
