Is Denzel Washington Joining Black Panther 3? Ryan Coogler Has Big Plans for the ‘Living Legend’

Ryan Coogler, the director behind the critically acclaimed Black Panther films, has shared his strong desire to collaborate with Hollywood icon Denzel Washington in the third installment of the Marvel blockbuster. During a recent appearance on the Nightcap podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Coogler addressed rumors that Washington might be joining the cast of Black Panther 3, expressing his eagerness to work with the legendary actor.

“I’m dying to work with Denzel and I’m hoping we can make that happen,” Coogler revealed. “I got every intention of working with him in that movie and as long as he’s interested — it’s going to happen.” This heartfelt statement comes as Coogler continues to work on the future of the Black Panther franchise, following the massive success of the first two films.

Coogler also provided a bit of insight into the timeline for the film, telling Sharpe, “Not long,” when asked how long fans might have to wait for Black Panther 3. The filmmaker’s optimistic tone suggests that progress on the next chapter of T’Challa’s story is well underway, with the potential addition of Washington being one of the exciting developments.

Denzel Washington’s Role in Black Panther 3?

Coogler’s comments are timely, following an earlier interview with Denzel Washington while promoting his role in the upcoming Gladiator sequel. Washington had hinted that Coogler was writing an unspecified role for him in Black Panther 3, fueling speculation that the Oscar-winning actor may be set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Washington, known for his legendary career in films like Training Day, Fences, and Malcolm X, has long been considered a mentor by Coogler, who has frequently praised him for his influence.

In his interview with Sharpe and Johnson, Coogler went on to call Washington a “living legend” and a “great mentor,” adding, “He’s all about looking out for us.” This admiration clearly runs deep, and Coogler’s desire to work with Washington reflects a deep respect for his contribution to film.

Washington’s Criteria for Choosing Projects

While fans eagerly await confirmation of Washington’s involvement in Black Panther 3, the actor himself has been selective in the roles he chooses at this stage of his career. In a recent interview on Australia’s Today Show, Washington discussed the factors that influence his decisions to take on projects. “At this point in my career, I’m only interested in working with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make, probably not that many,” Washington said. He went on to mention his upcoming roles, including a return to Othello, and a potential collaboration with director Steve McQueen for a future project.

Currently, Washington is starring in a Broadway production of Othello alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, continuing to push his craft while remaining discerning about the projects he takes on. With that in mind, it’s clear that Washington is focused on meaningful, exciting roles—and Coogler’s invitation to join Black Panther 3 certainly fits the bill for a high-profile collaboration.

What Does This Mean for Black Panther 3?

As Black Panther 3 begins to take shape, the prospect of having Denzel Washington join the cast is an exciting one. Coogler’s passion for the project, combined with Washington’s legendary stature and mentorship, could bring an entirely new layer of depth to the already successful franchise. Fans will no doubt be watching closely to see if the two filmmakers can come together to bring this collaboration to life.

As Coogler continues to develop the story for Black Panther 3, the addition of Washington could not only elevate the cast but also provide a fitting next chapter in the ongoing legacy of Black Panther. Whether or not Washington takes on a pivotal role in the sequel remains to be seen, but for now, Coogler’s enthusiasm has fans hopeful that this dream collaboration may soon become a reality.