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DC Actor Reportedly in Line To Play Black Panther in MCU Moving Forward

Reports are pouring in about the future of T’Challa and the Black Panther mantle within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Shuri as the Black Panther
Credit: Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios wrapped up Phase Four with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), a film that carried immense emotional weight—not just as a heartfelt tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman but also as the closing chapter of a phase filled with ups and downs. While Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) shattered records, the remainder of Phase Four struggled to replicate the same level of success in both fan reception and box office earnings.

The untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman in 2020 was a tragic loss to Hollywood. Boseman’s portrayal of King T’Challa brought a commanding presence to the screen, and when Marvel announced they would not recast the role, it ignited intense discussions about the franchise’s future. At San Diego Comic-Con 2022, the emotional teaser for Wakanda Forever left audiences wondering what lay ahead for Wakanda.

Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa in 'Black Panther'
Credit: Marvel Studios

Marvel’s decision not to recast T’Challa was met with both praise and backlash. Some fans believed it honored Boseman’s legacy, while others viewed it as “the biggest attack in Marvel history,” with a vocal group even threatening to boycott the sequel.

Regardless of the controversy, Wakanda Forever held its ground at the box office, earning $859 million globally—falling short of the first film’s $1.346 billion haul but still serving as a strong finale for Phase Four. In the movie, Letitia Wright’s Shuri–T’Challa’s sister–took on the Black Panther role.

L-R: Okoye (Danai Gurira), Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), and Shuri (Letitia Wright)
Credit: Marvel Studios

Fast-forward to today, and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has officially confirmed that Black Panther 3 is in development. Producer Nate Moore, who is set to depart after Captain America: Brave New World (2025), will return to oversee the project.

Recent reports indicate that Marvel might be open to recasting T’Challa via a Multiversal twist, potentially introducing a fresh take on the Wakandan king. This could happen in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), alongside Robert Downey Jr. who will return to the franchise—not as Tony Stark/Iron Man, but as Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom.

Black Panther
Credit: Marvel Studios

On the other hand, conflicting reports suggest Marvel may take a different approach by introducing an older version of T’Challa’s son, Toussaint, who was introduced in Wakanda Forever as the child of T’Challa and Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong’o. Actors being considered for the potential “New T’Challa” reportedly include John David Washington, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Aaron Pierre.

Adding fuel to the speculation, a new contender has entered the mix—Aldis Hodge, known for his role as Hawkman in DC’s Black Adam (2022). According to Marvel News (@Marvelnewszz): “Marvel Studios is reportedly eyeing Aldis Hodge to play the iconic role of Black Panther in an upcoming MCU film.”

Marvel's Kevin Feige
Credit: D23

While Hodge is the latest name linked to the role, sources suggest this might not be a Multiversal version of T’Challa but rather Earth-616’s Toussaint, AKA Prince T’Challa, grown up. Meanwhile, a report from scooper My Time To Shine Hello claims that Marvel has so far only met with “light-skinned” actors for the role—a revelation that has sparked criticism, though neither Marvel Studios nor The Walt Disney Company has addressed these claims.

With speculation running rampant, one thing is clear—Wakanda’s journey is far from over.

How do you think Marvel should move forward with T’Challa’s legacy in the MCU? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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