Angela Bassett has given her official blessing to David Jonsson as the new Black Panther. The Black Panther franchise veteran shared her reaction to Jonsson’s casting as T’Challa II in the upcoming Black Panther 3, and she could not be happier.
Bassett, who played Queen Ramonda in the first two films, was asked about Jonsson’s casting during a red carpet interview with ScreenRant at the premiere of American Horror Story Season 13. Her response was immediate and full of enthusiasm.
Angela Bassett Says She Is ‘Over the Moon’ About David Jonsson
The Oscar-nominated actress did not hold back when sharing her feelings about the English actor stepping into the iconic role. “I cannot wait to see his portrayal,” Bassett told ScreenRant. “I was over the moon to hear that, as a fan. I know the fans were happy as well. It’s exciting!”
When pressed further about whether Jonsson had her approval as the onscreen grandmother to his character, Bassett kept it simple and warm. “Yes he does,” she confirmed. Her comment references a memorable moment from the first Black Panther film where Killmonger refers to Ramonda as “auntie”.
Bassett’s endorsement carries real weight. She earned a historic Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, making her the first actor in a Marvel film to receive an acting nomination. Her support for Jonsson signals a strong vote of confidence for the franchise’s next chapter.
Marvel Announced David Jonsson as T’Challa II at Comic-Con 2026
Marvel Studios revealed the casting during its San Diego Comic-Con panel in July 2026. Director Ryan Coogler made the announcement himself, confirming that Jonsson would play the adult version of T’Challa’s son.
Jonsson takes on the role of T’Challa II, also known as Toussaint. The character was first introduced as a child in the post-credits scene of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where Nakia revealed she and T’Challa had a son before his death. The third film will follow the character as he grows up and comes of age.
The casting news generated significant buzz online, with fans and industry figures sharing their thoughts. Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, later explained that Coogler personally chose Jonsson after a secret hotel meeting, calling him the ideal choice for the role.
Who Is David Jonsson?
David Jonsson is a 33-year-old English actor and a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He has built a strong reputation through stage work in London’s West End and notable film roles.
Genre fans will recognize him from Alien: Romulus, where he played the android Andy, and from Stephen King’s The Long Walk, where he portrayed survivor Pete McVries. Both roles showed his range with different accents and personality types. While he has not yet played a superhero requiring a muscular physique, his performances have demonstrated physical stamina and presence.
Jonsson’s casting represents a significant step up in his career. He joins a franchise that has earned massive critical and commercial success. The original Black Panther earned $1.3 billion worldwide and received seven Oscar nominations, winning three Academy Awards. Wakanda Forever grossed $859 million globally and earned five Oscar nominations.
Black Panther 3 Release Date and Cast Details
Black Panther 3 is scheduled to hit theaters on December 15, 2028. Ryan Coogler returns as director, completing his trilogy of Wakanda-set films.
Letitia Wright will reprise her role as Shuri, who took over the Black Panther mantle after Chadwick Boseman’s passing in 2020. Winston Duke returns as M’Baku, and Denzel Washington has joined the cast in a role reportedly written specifically for him.
The film will continue the story introduced in Wakanda Forever‘s post-credits scene, where Nakia revealed the existence of T’Challa’s son. The narrative is expected to follow Jonsson’s character as he grows into the role of a young hero.
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Angela Bassett Hints at Possible Queen Ramonda Return
Bassett’s character, Queen Ramonda, died in Wakanda Forever during a dramatic sacrifice. However, the actress has not ruled out a return in Black Panther 3.
Speaking about the possibility, Bassett said, “There’s always hope”. The Wakandan Ancestral Plane offers a natural way for deceased characters to appear, as seen when Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger returned in the second film. Rumors have suggested that Bassett may reprise her role in some capacity, with the Ancestral Plane reportedly playing a prominent part in the third movie.
Whether she appears onscreen or not, Bassett’s public support for Jonsson adds to the growing momentum behind the film. Michael B. Jordan has also shared his approval of the new T’Challa, and Wright previously expressed her excitement about passing the mantle forward.
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on Black Panther 3 and the latest Marvel casting news.
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