David Jonsson has received crucial advice and support from franchise member Winston Duke as he prepares to take on the mantle of Black Panther in the franchise’s third installment. The 32-year-old London actor was announced as the new protagonist of ‘Black Panther 3’ during the presentation in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con. Winston Duke, who plays the fierce warrior M’Baku, emphasized his desire to extend the same grace and safety that was offered to him when he first joined the “Black Panther” universe.According to Deadline, Winston Duke revealed that he spoke to David Jonsson for the first time that day at Comic-Con. The veteran actor reflected on his own entry into the franchise and his commitment to helping guide Jonsson through this important moment in his career.
Winston Duke emphasizes grace and support for David Jonsson’s transition to Black Panther
Winston Duke shared his guidance for David Jonsson during his opening conversation at Comic-Con. “I wanted to extend to him the grace that was done to me. Black Panther was my first film, and I was invited to create something really cool with a lot of grace, with a lot of security,” Duke told the channel. “I wanted to let him know that we’re here to support, we’re here to help, we’re here to step up, we’re here to be here for him and for him to do his best work.“
Winston Duke welcomed David Jonsson to the ‘Black Panther’ family at San Diego Comic-Con, offering his support as the actor prepares to take on the iconic superhero role in ‘Black Panther 3’. Image Credit (Instagram)
The veteran actor kept his message to David Jonsson simple and encouraging. “I didn’t want to say anything other than, ‘Come and play,'” Duke explained, capturing the collaborative spirit that has defined the “Black Panther” films under Coogler’s direction.
David Jonsson played Prince T’Challa II in Black Panther 3
The official casting of David Jonsson as the new Black Panther was announced during Ryan Coogler’s Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25. Coogler warmly introduced David Jonsson to the assembled crowd, welcoming him to the franchise alongside Kevin Feige, Letitia Wright and Winston Duke.“I want you to give a warm welcome to our new Black Panther: Mr. David Jonsson,” Coogler announced to thunderous applause. Taking to the stage, David Jonsson expressed his gratitude. “Thank you Ryan. Thank you Kevin. Thank you to this amazing family that I am honored, privileged and blessed to join,” she said.
David Jonsson’s journey from television to major franchise roles
The London-born actor rose to fame playing Gus Sackey in the hit series ‘Industry’ before gaining critical acclaim for his performance in the 2023 romantic comedy ‘Rye Lane’. Most recently, David Jonsson starred in the 2024 sci-fi film ‘Alien: Romulus’ and the 2025 adaptation of Stephen King’s thriller ‘The Long Walk’. Director Ryan Coogler specifically mentioned “The Long Walk” when he introduced David Jonsson to the stage.In 2025, David Jonsson won the BAFTA Rising Star award, establishing his credentials as one of the industry’s most promising young talents.
‘Black Panther 3’ continues the beloved superhero franchise, with David Jonsson in the spotlight as the next protector of Wakanda. Image Credit (Instagram)
‘Black Panther 3’ continues the legacy of the groundbreaking superhero franchise‘Black Panther 3’ will be released in theaters on December 15, 2028. The original film ‘Black Panther’, released in 2018, was a cultural phenomenon. Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa made him the first black superhero to direct a major studio film. The film, which also starred Forrest Whitaker, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett and Lupita Nyong’o, earned three of its seven Oscar nominations.Ryan Coogler returns as director with Letitia Wright reprising her role as Shuri and Winston Duke continuing as M’Baku, now acting as the newly anointed king of Wakanda. Coogler’s commitment to the franchise comes on the heels of his Oscar win earlier this year for best picture for vampire flick ‘Sinners.’The casting of David Jonsson represents both a continuation of that legacy and a new chapter in the ‘Black Panther’ saga, with the actor inheriting the responsibility of honoring Boseman’s transformative work while establishing his own interpretation of the character.