It looks like Denzel Washington is joining the MCU as the Oscar winner claims to be in Black Panther 3!
It’s still hard to believe how Black Panther took such a strange journey in the MCU. Captain America: Civil War introduced T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), prince of the fictional African nation of Wakanda, whose possession of the mineral vibranium makes them the most technologically advanced country in the world. His 2017 solo film with T’Challa as the heroic Black Panther was not only one of the biggest box office hits in Marvel history but scored an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
Boseman reprised the role in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame and plans for Panther to take a central role in the MCU. That all ended in August of 2020 when Boseman shockingly passed away of cancer at the stunning young age of 43.
That changed everything as 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever also had T’Challa dying with his sister Shuri becoming the new Panther. That was the last heard of the franchise for a bit although rumors of a third film abounded.
Not only does it look like it’s happening, but with one of the biggest names in Hollywood. Speaking to Australia’s Today to promote his role in Gladiator II, Denzel Washington revealed that writer/director Ryan Coogler is crafting a role for him in a new Black Panther film.
"For me it’s about the filmmakers. Especially at this point in my career, I am only interested in working with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. It’s probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done."
After listing some upcoming projects like playing the conqueror Hannibal and a turn in a Broadway production of Othello, Washington casually dropped in, “After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’”
Seeing Washington join the MCU is a huge move, and fans are wondering who he’d be playing.
Who could Denzel Washington play in Black Panther 3?
Adding Washington would be a huge boost for the MCU. Few actors are as respected and admired as the two-time Oscar winner with countless hits under his belt. Washington rarely feels like he’s taking a “paycheck role” and always gives his A-game, even if the movie itself can be poor. That talent added to the MCU would be excellent.
Washington’s words indicate that he’s joining the MCU simply because it’s fun. There’s also how he always had a respect for Boseman, who cited Washington as one of his idols. When Washington was given the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2019, Boseman was among the presenters, warmly giving thanks to Washington for paving the way for actors like him and “there is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”
As for who Washington might be playing in Black Panther 3, it’s likely Coogler creates an original role for him. Washington would fit the part of a Wakanda elder or maybe the spirit of a past king giving advice.
One fan-favorite choice would be the Blue Marvel. Created in 2008, the backstory is Adam Brashear gained superpowers in the 1960s and became a masked hero long before Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four or others came along. However, when the public learned this incredibly powerful hero was a black man, the public backlash led to Brashear leaving Earth. He eventually returned to work with the Avengers.
The part would suit Washington perfectly, with gravitas and Brashear feeling bitter about his treatment yet willing to work with other heroes. While Washington is known for playing noble figures, it might also be fun to see him as more of a villain or, at the least, someone with shades of gray.
Right now, the script is still being worked on and no word on when it could come. But having Washington joining the MCU is a big spark in the arm to make Black Panther 3 more exciting to think about.