Before Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is even released, Ryan Coogler is addressing the possibility of directing Black Panther 3. Coogler is a filmmaker best known for his collaborations with Michael B. Jordan, including Fruitvale Station, Creed, and 2018's Black Panther. The writer/director returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe sans Jordan for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, a sequel largely defined by the absence of Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away due to colon cancer in 2020. With T'Challa gone, the sequel shifts the focus to the women of Wakanda as they defend the exposed nation from invading forces led by Namor.

Now, shortly before Wakanda Forever releases in theaters, Coogler was asked by Variety whether he would be willing to direct Black Panther 3. However, the filmmaker admits he has no idea what he's going to do next. Read his response below:

I can tell you definitively I have no idea what I’m doing next.

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Could Ryan Coogler Return for Black Panther 3?

A screenshot behind-the-scenes of director Ryan Coogler showing Danai Gurira her cues as Okoye in Black Panther

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige says he has had conversations with Coogler about Black Panther 3. Though based on his response above, nothing is written in stone quite yet. Producer Nate Moore echoed these sentiments in an earlier interview, revealing that Black Panther 3 ideas have been discussed, though no final decisions have been made. If Black Panther 3 does happen, which it likely will considering Wakanda Forever's positive reviews and big box office projections, Coogler should be the leading candidate to write and direct given his success with the first two films.

While Coogler's status for a potential Black Panther 3 is unclear, he should be sticking around Wakanda for the time being. His production company, Proximity Media, is currently developing multiple Disney+ series set in Wakanda. Coogler is also serving as an executive producer on Ironheart, the spinoff series centered on Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), who is introduced in Wakanda Forever. Coogler is also rumored as a potential candidate to direct Avengers: Secret Wars, though Feige says there haven't been any formal discussions about that.

When Could Black Panther 3 Release?

Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia looking out at the ocean in Black Panther Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will conclude Phase 4 of the MCU and the release calendar for Phase 5 and Phase 6 is already packed with releases through 2026. However, there are some gaps that Black Panther 3 could fill. There is a significant gap between The Marvels and Captain America: New World Order, though that quick of a turnaround would be nearly impossible, and another between Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars, though it's unclear if any MCU movies will be released in that time. While Black Panther 3 is bound to happen at some time, it's unclear where Marvel will fit it into the release schedule.

Next: Namor Being A Mutant Is Huge For The MCU's X-Men Introduction

Source: Variety

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