Fresh off his first Academy Award nomination at age 73, Delroy Lindo is looking ahead to what could be the next chapter in an already legendary career — and that future could include a return to working with filmmaker Ryan Coogler.
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter about his Oscar-nominated performance as Delta Slim in Sinners, Lindo revealed that he has expressed interest in joining Marvel Studios’ upcoming Black Panther 3 if the right opportunity presents itself.
“I expressed to Ryan that if the stars line up, I would love to be in Black Panther 3,” Lindo said.
“One of the things he said to me was anything that he were to offer me, he would want to be sure that it was worth my time… and I respect that.”
His comments reflect a desire to collaborate again with Coogler following their recent work together on Sinners.
READ: Delroy Lindo to Make Feature Directorial Debut With Jamaica-Set Film + Memoir in the Works
A Collaboration That Reignited Conversation Around Lindo
Lindo’s performance in Coogler’s Sinners quickly became one of the film’s most talked-about elements, earning widespread acclaim and marking the veteran actor’s first Oscar nomination after decades of standout work across film and television.
Throughout his career, Lindo has consistently delivered memorable performances in projects including Malcolm X, Crooklyn, Get Shorty, Da 5 Bloods, and The Harder They Fall. Despite that résumé, the actor says his focus has never been tied to titles or billing.
“I don’t think of myself as a leading man; I think about how can I flesh out this character as much as possible and how can I most effectively fill the space that this character occupies in the script,” Lindo explained.
What We Know About Black Panther 3
Plot details for Black Panther 3 remain under wraps, though Coogler has confirmed he is actively developing the next installment in Marvel’s Wakanda-set franchise. The filmmaker has previously shared that the project is one he feels personally connected to and is eager to bring to audiences.
The film is already generating anticipation, with Denzel Washington confirmed to have a role written specifically for him. Reports have also suggested the story may continue exploring Wakanda’s evolving future following Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, alongside Letitia Wright’s Shuri.
Whether Lindo ultimately becomes part of that world remains uncertain, but his openness to joining the franchise highlights the continued creative relationship forming between actor and director.
A New Chapter Beyond Acting
Outside of his hopes of a potential franchise role, Lindo is entering a deeply personal creative phase.
The actor is currently developing his feature directorial debut, a long-gestating film set in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains that blends themes of grief, spirituality, and healing through elements of magical realism. Lindo plans to direct, produce, and star in the project, which has been years in the making.
He is also working on a memoir scheduled for release in 2027, exploring his family history and examining the experiences of the Windrush generation — a story rooted in Caribbean migration, identity, and cultural legacy.
Between an Oscar nomination, new work behind the camera, and continued collaboration with filmmakers like Coogler, Lindo’s latest chapter reflects an artist still expanding his creative reach decades into his career.
For now, a role in Black Panther 3 remains hypothetical — but if the stars do align, we’d love to see Wakanda welcome another screen legend into its world.