Angela Bassett just gave her verdict on David Jonsson stepping into the Black Panther role. The franchise veteran shared her honest reaction to the casting and offered a message for the MCU’s newest hero.
Angela Bassett ‘cannot wait’ to see David Jonsson as the new Black Panther
Angela Bassett expressed her excitement about David Jonsson taking on the role of Black Panther in the MCU. In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Bassett said she “cannot wait” to see Jonsson’s portrayal. She described herself as “over the moon” when she heard the casting news.
Bassett also acknowledged the fan enthusiasm surrounding the announcement. “I know the fans were happy as well. So excited,” she said. Her endorsement carries significant weight, given her role as Queen Ramonda in the franchise.
Marvel announced Jonsson’s casting at Comic-Con in July
Marvel announced Jonsson’s casting at Comic-Con in July 2025. He will play Prince T’Challa II, the son of T’Challa and Nakia, in Black Panther 3. The character first appeared as a child in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Ryan Coogler returns to direct the third installment, set for release on Dec. 15, 2028. Letitia Wright will reprise her role as Shuri alongside Winston Duke as M’Baku. Wright previously took over the Black Panther mantle after Chadwick Boseman’s passing in 2020.
Jonsson is best known for his roles in Alien: Romulus and Stephen King’s The Long Walk. His casting continues the story introduced in Wakanda Forever’s post-credits scene.
The original Black Panther earned $1.3 billion worldwide
The original Black Panther earned $1.3 billion worldwide and received seven Oscar nominations, including best picture. It won three Academy Awards for costume design, production design, and original score. Wakanda Forever grossed $859 million globally and earned five Oscar nominations.
Bassett herself made history with a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Wakanda Forever. That marked the first acting nomination for any performer in a Marvel film.
Fans can also see Wright as Shuri in Avengers: Doomsday, hitting theaters on Dec. 18.
