Speculation is running wild regarding the future of T’Challa and the Black Panther mantle in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Phase Four of the MCU concluded with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), a film that carried an emotional punch—not just as a tribute to Chadwick Boseman’s legacy but also as the final chapter of a Phase filled with highs and lows. While Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) dominated the box office and captivated fans, the rest of Phase Four struggled to achieve the same impact.
Chadwick Boseman’s tragic passing in 2020 left an irreplaceable void in both Hollywood and among Marvel fans. Boseman’s portrayal of King T’Challa was iconic, and Marvel’s decision not to recast the role sparked intense discussions about the franchise’s direction.
Marvel’s choice not to recast T’Challa stirred up significant controversy. While some fans believed it honored Boseman’s memory, others called it “the biggest attack in Marvel history,” with some even threatening to boycott the sequel. Despite the mixed reactions, Wakanda Forever performed admirably at the box office, earning $859 million globally—falling short of the original’s $1.346 billion but still delivering a respectable close to Phase Four.
Now, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that Black Panther 3 is officially in the works. Nate Moore, who will be leaving Marvel after Captain America: Brave New World (2025), is set to return as a producer.
Recent reports suggest Marvel is considering recasting T’Challa through a Multiversal storyline, opening the door for a fresh portrayal of the former Wakandan king. This could potentially take place in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027),alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Von Doom and Chris Evans’ mystery character.
Alternatively, reports hint that Marvel might instead introduce an older version of T’Challa’s son, Toussaint, first revealed in the Wakanda Forever mid-credits scene, as the child of T’Challa and Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong’o. Among the actors rumored to be in the running for the “New T’Challa” are John David Washington, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Aaron Pierre.
However, a new contender has emerged—Aldis Hodge, known for his role as Hawkman in DC’s Black Adam (2022) and in the TV show Cross. Marvel News (@Marvelnewszz) shared: “Marvel Studios is reportedly eyeing Aldis Hodge to play the iconic role of Black Panther in an upcoming MCU film.”
Hodge is the latest name connected to the role, but as previously mentioned, this may not be a Multiversal T’Challa but rather Earth-616’s Toussaint, AKA Prince T’Challa. Meanwhile, a recent report from scooper My Time To Shine Hello has sparked controversy, alleging that Marvel has only met with “light-skinned” actors so far. Neither Marvel Studios nor The Walt Disney Company have responded to the claims.
As discussions continue to swirl, one thing is certain—Wakanda’s story is far from finished.
What do you think Marvel should do with T’Challa’s legacy in the MCU? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!