If Damson Idris Is the Next Black Panther, There’s a Huge Question Marvel Needs to Answer

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Let’s be real, this isn’t complicated. I’m addressing you, Kevin Feige. While I completely trust Ryan Coogler, the talented writer, producer, and director of Black Panther, I’m surprised Damson Idris hasn’t been cast in any role – especially a significant one – in the next movie. It’s definitely raising some questions.

Let’s be upfront: Chadwick Boseman, who sadly passed away in 2020, is irreplaceable as King T’Challa. His death was a huge loss, and director Ryan Coogler knew he had two choices: cancel any future Black Panther movies or find a way to continue the story while honoring Boseman’s legacy.

The One True Black Panther: Chadwick Boseman

In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Shuri reluctantly stepped into the role of Black Panther in a deeply moving scene that resonated with both the characters onscreen and viewers. Chadwick Boseman, who originally played the part, set a high standard and became a legend. It was incredibly inspiring that he continued filming the first Black Panther movie, becoming the first African-American actor to lead a Marvel Cinematic Universe film, even after receiving a stage III colon cancer diagnosis in 2016.

Honestly, making ‘Wakanda Forever’ felt really personal. It was like I was pouring all my effort into the film as a tribute to Chadwick. I just wanted to make something truly amazing that he would have been proud of.

Chadwick Boseman powerfully portrayed Black Panther in four Marvel Cinematic Universe films, even while secretly fighting cancer. He first appeared as the character in Captain America: Civil War, continued in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and also provided the voice for Black Panther in the Disney+ series What If…?

It’s impossible to replace Chadwick Boseman, and I’m not suggesting anyone should. Instead, let’s consider some potential storylines for Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios to develop for Damson Idris – the rising star of FX’s Snowfall and Brad Pitt’s co-star in F1: The Movie – in the upcoming Black Panther 3. So, get comfortable and hear me out.

The Ascention of Prince T’Challa

Idris is being deliberately vague about whether he’s involved in a future Marvel Cinematic Universe project, which is typical when actors are keeping secrets. While he’s denying involvement, his body language – specifically his smile and a final nod – strongly suggests he is actually part of the film.

Let’s look at the most straightforward way Idris Elba could appear in Black Panther 3. The setup is already there. After the events of the second movie, Shuri, now Black Panther, is on a beach in Haiti, thinking about everything that’s happened – including the death of her mother, Queen Ramonda, at the hands of Namor. She’s then approached by Nakia, a Wakandan spy and a former love interest of the late King T’Challa. Nakia introduces Shuri to someone who was secretly known only to Queen Ramonda.

My name is Toussaint, which is a traditional Haitian name. I’m the son of Prince T’Challa and the nephew of Shuri.

With Shuri mourning and the screen fading to black, the story seems to be setting up T’Challa’s son to eventually become the next Black Panther and ruler in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A good opportunity for this could be in Black Panther 3, and we might even see Idris Elba make his first appearance as the prince in one of the upcoming Avengers movies – either Doomsday or Secret Wars – to prepare for events in 2028. This could involve Shuri willingly stepping aside to support her nephew, the rightful heir, which would be a powerful way to honor Chadwick Boseman’s legacy.

If you love a story with surprising twists and turns that stay with you long after you finish it, you’ll want to hear about what’s coming next. Get ready!

Hi Shuri, Meet Azzuri

Idris Elba’s potential role as a Black Panther in the MCU could be explored through the multiverse. While we’ve seen several characters embody the Black Panther – including T’Chaka, Chadwick Boseman’s character, Killmonger, and Shuri – the multiverse opens up possibilities for exploring past Black Panthers. One idea is to introduce Azzuri, a more ruthless king from Marvel comics, into the current timeline. He could challenge Shuri for the Wakandan throne, creating a compelling conflict between grandfather and granddaughter.

T’Chanda has a strong and undeniable right to the throne. He already has a working relationship with Nick Fury and Captain America, who once witnessed his father, Azzuri, brutally eliminate enemies of Wakanda – including Nazi soldiers – simply for sport, displaying heads on spikes as a warning. They later collaborated when Wakanda provided vibranium for the war effort. Now, a new and dangerous conflict is brewing, and T’Chanda’s unique combination of experience, strategic skill, and calculated ruthlessness will be needed to face a threat posed by Doctor Doom.

“Well, pardon me, ‘Your highness.’ Maybe you just lop off the head of every newcomer around here.” – Captain America to Azzuri on Earth-616

This storyline introduces Idris as someone who traveled to our world through a tear in the multiverse. It’s possible he arrived during the chaos of Spider-Man: No Way Home, or perhaps a new timeline was created when the Avengers tried to fix Thanos’ actions. The story adds a twist: Azzuri is around the same age as Shuri and doesn’t trust her to protect Wakanda from the approaching danger of Victor von Doom. This disagreement sparks an intense civil war, even more emotionally charged than the conflict with Killmonger.

Interestingly, the story could also feature an older Prince T’Challa assisting Shuri in her battle against their ancestor. Or, and this is a bold idea, Denzel Washington – who is confirmed to be in Black Panther 3 – could play an older version of T’Chanda, while Idris Elba takes on the role of the adult Prince T’Challa. This would allow us to finally see an adult version of the character. Either approach would be fantastic, and Idris Elba is uniquely suited to bring this storyline – or something similar – to life.

Skrull-Idris, At Your Service

Okay, this is a bit of a wild theory, but if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably open to it too, so let’s explore it together. What if Idris Elba’s character, playing the adult Prince T’Challa welcomed by Shuri and Wakanda, is secretly a Super-Skrull? And what if Nakia is also a Super-Skrull, meaning the person Shuri found in Haiti in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever wasn’t actually her?

If you’ve seen Secret Invasion on Disney+ or Captain Marvel in theaters, you know the Skrulls are a powerful race. But many don’t realize they once fought a major conflict on Earth-8096, and even had epic battles with Doctor Doom. In this story, Idris, a powerful Skrull who can change form, transforms into Prince T’Challa (later becoming the new King) with two goals in mind. First, to prevent Doctor Doom from gaining the immense power of the Beyonder(s). Second, to use Wakanda’s technology and strength, combined with the Skrull Empire, to stop Doom and his allies.

If Doctor Doom assembles a team of powerful villains for Secret Wars, including characters like Galactus, Thanos, and Mephisto, the heroes will face an enormous challenge and need any assistance they can get, even if its origins are unclear. They might even be grateful for the Skrulls’ trickery, but that gratitude will likely disappear when they learn that T’Challa was secretly providing Vibranium and Wakandan intelligence to Queen Veranke and the Skrull Empire, continuing the plans from Secret Invasion after the battle is over.

This storyline starts with Avengers: Doomsday and builds to Avengers: Secret Wars, potentially setting up a dramatically impactful Black Panther 3. Idris Elba is expected to continue as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but as a shape-shifting Super-Skrull, ready to play any role Marvel requires.

Marvel, please consider Idris Elba for a major role – even two roles would be great! Ignoring his potential would be a huge mistake. Now that I’ve seen Angela Bassett in the role, it’s clear this could be amazing, so take the chance! I’m urging you, Kevin Feige and Marvel, to make this happen – don’t complicate things. Thank you, and Wakanda forever.

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2025-11-03 01:48