Marvel Boss Kevin Feige Reveals Secret Meeting That Cast David Jonsson in 'Black Panther 3'

Marvel Studios is quietly laying the groundwork for the highly anticipated third installment of the Black Panther franchise, and president Kevin Feige has shared a glimpse into how the film’s next major star was chosen. Speaking with Empire magazine, Feige revealed that rising British actor David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus, Industry) secured a pivotal role in the upcoming blockbuster following an unscheduled, "secret meeting" with franchise director Ryan Coogler.

According to Feige, the studio had not yet initiated an official casting search for the project when Coogler took matters into his own hands. After meeting privately with Jonsson, the acclaimed filmmaker was instantly convinced he had found his next leading man. Feige recalled the moment Coogler brought the casting prospect to his attention, admitting the sheer potential of the collaboration left him stunned. “We hadn’t started a search yet,” Feige explained, adding that when Coogler shared his vision for Jonsson’s involvement, "I got chills."

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"We hadn’t started a search yet... [but] I got chills."

— Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios President

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Jonsson’s casting represents a major acquisition for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The actor has garnered widespread critical acclaim for his standout performance in the romantic comedy Rye Lane, his series-regular role in HBO's financial drama Industry, and his scene-stealing turn as the synthetic Andy in Fede Álvarez’s sci-fi hit Alien: Romulus. He is also set to star in the highly anticipated Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk. Joining the Black Panther universe elevates Jonsson to elite blockbuster status, placing him at the center of one of Disney's most lucrative and culturally significant intellectual properties.

While Marvel Studios has kept specific plot details and character profiles for Black Panther 3 strictly under wraps, the franchise faces the ongoing task of expanding the lore of Wakanda. Following the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman in 2020, the franchise pivoted with 2022's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which saw Letitia Wright’s Shuri assume the mantle of the titular protector. Whether Jonsson's character will challenge, ally with, or inherit a heroic mantle within the African kingdom remains a closely guarded secret, but Feige's early enthusiasm suggests his role will be foundational to the future of the MCU.