‘Black Panther’ Actor Winston Duke Reveals What He Told David Jonsson About Taking On The Iconic Role

At San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, director Ryan Coogler took the stage to announce that not only will Black Panther 3 hit theaters on December 15, 2028, but David Jonsson will play T’Challa’s grown son who was introduced at the end of Wakanda Forever.

Jonsson had a role in last year’s The Long Walk, directed by Francis Lawrence. Coogler specifically mentioned that film as he introduced Jonsson onstage.

Black Panther cast members Letitia Wright and Winston Duke also joined Coogler, Kevin Feige and Jonsson onstage.

Duke later told Deadline that he had spoken with Jonsson for the first time earlier that day.

“I wanted to extend to him the grace that was extended to me. Black Panther was my very first film, and I was invited to create something really cool with a lot of grace, with a lot of safety. I wanted to just let him know that we’re here to support, we’re here to help, we’re here to augment, we’re here to be here for him and for him to do his best work,” the actor, who plays the fierce M’Baku in the films.

“I din’t want to say anything else but, ‘Come play,” Duke continued.

You can watch the whole thing below.