Damson Idris Fuels ‘Black Panther 3’ Buzz With Cryptic Response: Is He Marvel’s Next Panther?
From “yes-no” teases to Marvel mystery casting—Damson Idris just shook up Wakanda watchlists

Los Angeles, June 19: Let’s be honest—when Damson Idris gives you a cheeky “yes-no” in response to Black Panther 3 casting rumors, your pop culture spidey-sense has to tingle. The British-Nigerian breakout star—best known for FX’s Snowfall and those inevitable Idris Elba comparisons—dropped the nugget on NBC’s Today show, setting Marvel fans (and Marvel Twitter) ablaze.
Damson Idris Playing It Cool… Or Playing Coy?
It was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. Asked whether he’s been chatting with Marvel Studios about a role in the next Black Panther film, Idris grinned and gave a cryptic “yes-no.” Co-anchor Craig Melvin read it as a soft confirmation. Idris, ever the tease, backtracked: “It could mean no.”
Then came the kicker: “If they offered it, would you take it?” His answer? A rock-solid, smile-cracking “yes.”
Cue the fan-casting threads, speculative Reddit posts, and TikTok edits with Damson’s face Photoshopped onto Vibranium armor.
Wakanda’s Next Chapter Is A Giant Question Mark
Let’s rewind. After the heartbreaking loss of Chadwick Boseman in 2020, Marvel made a deliberate choice: they wouldn’t recast T’Challa. Instead, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever leaned into grief, sisterhood, and legacy—handing the mantle to Letitia Wright’s Shuri, while introducing a tender post-credits twist: T’Challa had a son. His name? Toussaint.
Now, Marvel seems to be at a narrative crossroads. Do they keep pushing forward with Shuri’s story? Or is it time to bring back a new face of T’Challa—maybe through Toussaint, maybe through the multiverse? According to Deadline, both options are still on the table. What’s not on the table (yet): a finalized script.
Wait, Denzel Washington Too?
Oh yeah. In case this wasn’t already a casting circus with elite-level intrigue, Denzel Washington is now officially part of the conversation. Director Ryan Coogler, still very much the heartbeat of the franchise, reportedly told Deadline he’s writing a role specifically for Denzel in Black Panther 3. It’s giving legacy. It’s giving gravitas. It’s giving—Marvel, just take our money already.
If Washington signs on, it wouldn’t just be a prestige play. It would echo the franchise’s tradition of centering Black excellence, and elevate the emotional weight of whatever story they’re building next.
What Role Could Damson Idris Play?
So here’s where the Idris whispers get interesting. He’s not the kid-version of Toussaint (that would be a stretch), but fans are tossing around ideas—from an older version of Toussaint (via time jump?) to a multiversal T’Challa, or even a completely new character woven into the royal tapestry of Wakanda.
And honestly, it checks out. Idris has the chops, the charisma, and that mix of swagger and soul that made Chadwick’s T’Challa iconic. Plus, with Marvel leaning into younger leads for the next wave (see: Florence Pugh, Iman Vellani, Tenoch Huerta), Damson could be a prime pick to carry the next era.
Fans Are Hopeful—But Cautiously So
Let’s not sugarcoat it—recasting T’Challa, or introducing someone meant to evoke him, is risky business. The original Black Panther wasn’t just a superhero flick—it was a cultural earthquake. And Boseman wasn’t just a star—he was a symbol. Marvel knows that. Coogler knows that. That’s why, even five years later, the idea of a “new” T’Challa makes some fans nervous.
But then again, if the franchise is about legacy, doesn’t that mean it has to evolve?
So What’s Actually Confirmed?
Short answer: nothing. Not officially, at least.
Marvel producer Nate Moore told Deadline that there are “no decisions” yet on Black Panther 3. Coogler is “still thinking” but hasn’t started the script. So everything, from Idris’s role to the direction of the plot, is still in development limbo.
Still, between Damson’s smirks, Denzel’s rumored arrival, and Coogler’s steady hand at the helm, the Black Panther buzz is back. And let’s be real—Marvel could use a win right now.
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Sneha Kashyap is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, specializing in the vibrant world of entertainment and contemporary lifestyle trends. A student at GGSIPU, Delhi, Sneha brings a fresh perspective and a keen eye for cultural narratives to her daily reporting. She is dedicated to exploring the latest in film, music, fashion, and social phenomena, offering readers insightful and engaging content.