​Winston Duke encouraged David Jonsson to embrace the role, assuring him that the ‘Black Panther’ cast is ready to support him throughout his journey.Image credit (Instagram)​

David Jonsson has received crucial advice and support from fellow franchise member Winston Duke as he prepares to take on the mantle of Black Panther in the franchise’s third instalment. The 32-year-old London-born actor was announced as the new lead of ‘Black Panther 3’ during the Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con. Winston Duke, who plays the fierce warrior M’Baku, emphasised his desire to extend the same grace and safety that was afforded to him when he first joined the ‘Black Panther’ universe.According to Deadline, Winston Duke revealed that he spoke with David Jonsson for the first time earlier 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 significant career moment.

Winston Duke emphasises grace and support for David Jonsson’s transition to Black Panther

Winston Duke shared his guidance for David Jonsson during their initial conversation at Comic-Con. “I wanted to extend to him the grace that was extended to me. Black Panther was my very first film, and I was invited to create something really cool with a lot of grace, with a lot of safety,” Duke told outlet. “I wanted to just let him know that we’re here to support, we’re here to help, we’re here to augment, 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 else but, ‘Come play,’” Duke explained, capturing the collaborative spirit that has defined the ‘Black Panther’ films under Coogler’s direction.

David Jonsson cast as 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 into 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. Upon taking the stage, David Jonsson expressed his gratitude. “Thank you Ryan. Thank you Kevin. Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honour and privilege and the blessing to join,” he said.

David Jonsson’s trajectory from television to major franchise roles

The London-born actor rose to fame playing Gus Sackey on the hit series ‘Industry’ before earning critical acclaim for his performance in the 2023 romantic-comedy ‘Rye Lane’. More recently, David Jonsson starred in the 2024 science fiction film ‘Alien: Romulus’ and the 2025 adaptation of Stephen King’s thriller ‘The Long Walk’. Director Ryan Coogler specifically mentioned ‘The Long Walk’ as he introduced David Jonsson onstage.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 stepping into the spotlight as Wakanda’s next protector.Image credit (Instagram)

‘Black Panther 3’ continues legacy of groundbreaking superhero franchise‘Black Panther 3’ will be released in cinemas on December 15, 2028. The original ‘Black Panther’ film, released in 2018, was a cultural phenomenon. Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa made him the first Black superhero to lead a major studio film. The film, which also starred Forrest Whitaker, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett and Lupita Nyong’o, won 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 serving as the newly anointed King of Wakanda. Coogler’s commitment to the franchise comes on the heels of his Oscar victory earlier this year for Best Picture with the vampire film ‘Sinners’.David Jonsson’s casting represents both a continuation of that legacy and a new chapter in the ‘Black Panther’ saga, with the actor inheriting the responsibility to honour Boseman’s transformative work while establishing his own interpretation of the character.