Ryan Coogler confirms that Black Panther 3 will feature Denzel Washington

Noted filmmaker Ryan Coogler has confirmed that Denzel Washington will be in his forthcoming film, Black Panther 3.

While speaking at the fresh new podcast at 7 PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony, Coogler confirmed the veteran actor's presence in the upcoming Marvel movie. Back in late 2024, Denzel Washington's involvement in the sequel to the 2022 film of the Black Panther film franchise was confirmed by the actor. And now, Coogler has confirmed it, too.

More about what Ryan Coogler revealed in this story.

"I’ve been trying to work with him since day one", says Ryan Coogler about Denzel Washington in Black Panther 3

During the conversation on the 7 PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast, Ryan Coogler confirmed the presence of Denzel Washington in Black Panther 3.

About Coogler's close connection with Denzel Washington, he said:

"Denzel is family at this point."

He further mentioned his dream of working with Washington, as he sang praises for the actor, while stating:

"I've been trying to work with him since day one, I think he's the greatest living actor. And in terms of what he means to our culture, forget about it. I've been talking to him about this for a long time, and I was surprised when he mentioned it. But it's not like it's not true."

The films in the MCU's Black Panther film series have been helmed by Ryan Coogler as well. The last film that was released in 2022, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. It was a sequel to the original 2018 film, Black Panther.

Back in 2024, Denzel Washington revealed his association with Black Panther 3. As per Deadline, at a press meeting for his 2024 film, Gladiator, the actor mentioned that Ryan Coogler is penning his role in the script of Black Panther 3. The Academy Award-winning actor also mentioned taking a retirement soon after that. Washington had stated:

“I played Othello at 22, I’m now going to play it at 70. After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film.”

“After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther. After that, I’m going to do the film Othello. After that, I’m going to do King Lear. After that, I’m going to retire.”

Denzel Washington's forthcoming film release shall be Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest, in association with A24. Meanwhile, Ryan Coogler is currently enjoying the success of his latest released movie, Sinners. Starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, the film has garnered both critical and commercial success.