Denzel Washington has confirmed his participation in the upcoming Black Panther 3, years after Chadwick Boseman’s emotional tribute to the actor.

In a recent interview with Australia’s Today show, Washington, who is currently promoting his role in Gladiator II, revealed that he will be joining the Black Panther franchise. His statement came after recalling a conversation with director Ryan Coogler, who is writing a role for him in the third installment of the Marvel series. This news arrives after a moving tribute made by the late Chadwick Boseman, who had once said, “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”

Washington’s announcement has fans eagerly awaiting his addition to the Black Panther universe, even as details about the plot and characters remain under wraps. The actor shared a glimpse of his future plans, mentioning that Black Panther 3 would follow a series of exciting projects he has lined up, including playing Othello at 70 and starring as Hannibal in an upcoming Netflix film.

A Legacy Honored by Boseman

In 2019, at the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award ceremony, Chadwick Boseman paid tribute to Denzel Washington, acknowledging the crucial role Washington had played in shaping the careers of many actors, including his own. “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington,” Boseman said, honoring the actor for his unwavering support of young talent.

Boseman, who starred as T’Challa in the first Black Panther film and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, further explained how Washington had served as a silent benefactor for numerous students at Howard University, including himself, helping them attend a summer program in Oxford. In his moving speech, Boseman credited Washington for laying the groundwork for the new generation of Black actors in Hollywood.

“Let he who has watered, be watered,” Boseman said during his speech, emphasizing the deep gratitude and respect he held for Washington’s contributions to the culture and the film industry.

The Future of Black Panther and Washington’s Role

While Marvel Studios has yet to officially announce Black Panther 3, the film is highly anticipated by fans who continue to celebrate the legacy of Chadwick Boseman. In the wake of Boseman’s death in 2020, many have speculated on how the franchise will evolve. The sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, saw the mantle of the Black Panther passed to Shuri, T’Challa’s sister, played by Letitia Wright.

Washington’s involvement in the third film adds another layer of intrigue to the future of Wakanda. Though the storyline for Black Panther 3 remains a mystery, the presence of such an iconic actor like Washington in the cast raises expectations for a powerful and compelling narrative.

In addition to Black Panther 3, Washington is set to take on a variety of roles. He will star as Othello in a 2025 Broadway rendition, where he will be joined by Jake Gyllenhaal. He is also preparing for his role as Hannibal in an upcoming film directed by Antoine Fuqua. These projects highlight Washington’s continued commitment to exploring new and complex characters throughout his illustrious career.

Fans will have to wait for further details about the plot of Black Panther 3 and Washington’s role, but his involvement is sure to bring a new dynamic to the beloved franchise.

For more updates on Black Panther 3, tune in to Vviptimes.