David Jonsson has been selected to take on the mantle of the Black Panther in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe installment, slated for release in December 2028. The announcement was made by Marvel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026.
Jonsson is set to portray Prince T'Challa II, the adult son of the original Black Panther, King T'Challa, a character previously embodied by the late Chadwick Boseman. Director Ryan Coogler confirmed that the film will focus on the character's coming-of-age.
"The last time we got to make a movie, we introduced a character who is the son of the character that the great Chadwick Boseman played, our T'Challa, in that film," Coogler stated at the convention. "And today, I want to tell you that in this next film, he grows up [and] he comes of age."
Jonsson, born in London in September 1993, began his acting career in 2016 after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). He is the youngest of four children; his father was an IT engineer at Heathrow Airport, and his mother worked for the Metropolitan Police.
His previous roles include Augustus Sackey in the BBC Two and HBO drama series “Industry” (2020-2022) and a critically acclaimed performance as Dom in the romantic-comedy film “Rye Lane.” Jonsson also appeared in the 2024 sci-fi horror film “Alien: Romulus” and “The Long Walk” in 2025.
In recognition of his work, Jonsson received the rising star award at the British Academy Film Awards in 2025 for his role in “Alien: Romulus.” He was also honored with a best actor award at the Black British Theatre Awards in 2022 and the Robert Altman Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards in 2026.
Chadwick Boseman originated the role of Black Panther in the 2018 film of the same name. He passed away in August 2020. In the 2022 sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the Panther persona was adopted by T'Challa's sister, Shuri, portrayed by Letitia Wright.