Damson Idris may have just added more fuel to Marvel’s most closely-watched casting rumor.
During a rapid-fire “yes or no” segment on The Today Show, Idris was asked if he’s had conversations with Marvel about potentially joining the Black Panther franchise. The F1 star responded with a playful “Yes-no!”—grinning as co-host Craig Melvin tried to decode the meaning. But when Melvin followed up, asking if he’d accept the role if offered, Idris didn’t hesitate: “Yes.”
It was a game of tease-and-dodge, but it didn’t stop fans from reading between the lines—and the internet from running wild with theories.
The Real State of Black Panther 3
Marvel Studios hasn’t officially announced Black Panther 3. There’s no title, no confirmed release date, and no publicly revealed plot. However, Ryan Coogler, who directed the first two films and helped steer the franchise after Chadwick Boseman’s passing, has made it clear the third installment is in motion.
On the Nightcap podcast, Coogler confirmed he’s written a role specifically for Denzel Washington, calling him a “living legend” and adding, “I’ve got every intention of working with him on that movie. As long as he’s interested—man, it’s gonna happen.”
That intent was later confirmed by Washington himself, who mentioned the opportunity during an interview before calling Coogler to apologize for speaking too soon. Despite the slip, the momentum behind the sequel has only grown.
The Damson Idris Casting Buzz: Here’s the Full Picture
Speculation about Idris joining Black Panther 3 first started circulating earlier this year, when online sources suggested Marvel might be considering either recasting T’Challa or introducing an older version of Toussaint, T’Challa’s son revealed at the end of Wakanda Forever.
In February 2025, however, Black Panther producer Nate Moore clarified that no casting decisions had been made, and that the story was still in early development stages. He emphasized that Coogler’s focus remained on the integrity of the franchise and the legacy left behind by Chadwick Boseman.
Still, Idris hasn’t done much to cool the rumors. Alongside his Today Show appearance, he previously joked on social media that he’d “turned down 007” and an Eddie Murphy biopic—feeding the speculation with his usual charm. And on Sway in the Morning, he acknowledged the weight of the Black Panther legacy, saying:
“It would mean everything… a responsibility… I knew Chad well. He was an icon. It’s important that that essence carries on.”
Recast T’Challa or Grown Toussaint?
The central question isn’t just whether Damson Idris is joining the MCU—it’s who he could play. Recasting T’Challa has been a sensitive topic for fans and Marvel alike. When Wakanda Forever was released in 2022, Marvel made it clear they had no plans to recast the role, instead elevating Letitia Wright’s Shuri to the Black Panther mantle and introducing Toussaint, the son of T’Challa and Nakia.
Idris, at 33, fits the profile for a grown-up version of Toussaint—especially if Black Panther 3 explores a time jump or the future of Wakanda. That approach would preserve Boseman’s legacy while opening a door for new leadership and storytelling within the franchise.
So… Could It Really Happen?
Here’s where things stand:
| Casting Element | Status |
|---|---|
| Damson Idris discussions | Teased but unconfirmed |
| Recasting T’Challa | Unlikely but not off-table |
| Playing grown Toussaint | Increasingly likely |
| Coogler’s script progress | Actively writing |
| Denzel Washington’s role | Confirmed by Coogler |
| Studio casting statement | No decisions yet (Feb 2025) |
With Black Panther and its sequel having earned over $2 billion globally, and a new era of storytelling around the corner, Marvel clearly has plans to continue building on the legacy. Whether that means Damson Idris will rise as the next protector of Wakanda remains to be seen, but the groundwork—and the excitement—is definitely there.
As for Idris? He’s already proven he has the talent, presence, and reverence for the role. And if Marvel is planning to pass the torch in a meaningful way, he might just be the one ready to catch it.