On the latest episode of The Hot Mic, Jeff Sneider revealed that Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther 3” is quietly moving forward, with Marvel Studios eyeing a February 2028 release date. The film will start production at the top of 2027.
Sneider’s comments line up with a previously announced Marvel Studios release date of February 18, 2028, a date that had been floating around the trades without an official title attached, until now.
Sneider’s report adds further credibility to earlier speculation sparked by Daniel Richtman, who wrote a cryptic “Feb 2028” on X back in March. When pressed by followers, Richtman confirmed the date was in reference to Black Panther 3.
Although Marvel has yet to make a formal announcement, there’s been some movement on the film, including a peculiar casting bit. Denzel Washington made headlines in November 2024 by confirming his involvement in the theeequel — no word yet on what role he’s been cast in. His presence would be a huge get for the franchise.
Furthermore, a recent Variety report notes that ideas are currently “percolating” for the Coogler-directed threequel, generating “excitement internally” at Marvel. Coogler, who helmed the first two films, remains a central figure in Marvel’s long-term strategy, and that’s coming off his “Sinners,” which was a critical and box-office success in North America, it will in all likelihood earn a slew of Oscar nominations as well.
If we’d all like to see Coogler broaden his horizon, by tackling more original stories, that will have to wait. He’s going back to IP filmmaking as “Black Panther 3” will likely be his next film. A real shame, if you ask me.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was released in November 2022, and while it fell short of the original’s box office numbers, it’s still the highest grossing MCU movie of the last five years, having earned $859M worldwide. The idea of a third film getting greenlit was a no-brainer decision.
A potential official announcement might be made this month at D23, which takes place August 9-11.
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