Letitia Wright looking stoic as Black Panther next to Denzel Washington from Gladiator II

A long-time Marvel Studios executive addresses Denzel Washington’s Black Panther 3 update about Ryan Coogler writing a role for him in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Marvel Studios has yet to formally announce the Black Panther 3 movie, a sequel appears to be in the development stages, which would complete another trilogy in the MCU. The MCU sequel got a lot of traction when Washington revealed that he is seemingly joining the franchise for a mystery role in Black Panther 3, leaving the world wondering what is actually going on with the installment.

ScreenRant‘s own Liam Crowley recently chatted with Marvel Studios’ VP of Production & Development, Nate Moore, for Captain America: Brave New World and also got a chance to check in on theBlack Panther 3 buzz that Washington caused. Though Moore is involved with Black Panther 3, the producer was very careful with his response to Washington’s supposed MCU debut, as he shared the following:

If that manifests, which we’re gonna try, I think it will probably be somebody from canon. Who that is, is early days. We honestly haven’t had really substantive creative conversations with Ryan, mostly because he’s finishing his film Sinners, which is gonna come out this year and is gonna be great. So again it’s too early to say, but obviously if an actor of the caliber of Denzel Washington wants in, we’re gonna figure out a way to make that happen.

What Nate Moore’s Comments Mean For Black Panther 3

It’s Too Early To Definitively State Anything

Denzel Washington as Macrinus wearing his white robe in Gladiator II Shuri's Black Panther fighting Namor on the beach in Black Panther Wakanda Forever Denzel Washington as Macrinus talking to the Senate in Gladiator 2 Shuri in her Black Panther suit in Black Panther Wakanda Forever Denzel Washington looking confused as Robert McCall in The Equalizer Denzel Washington as Macrinus wearing his white robe in Gladiator II Shuri's Black Panther fighting Namor on the beach in Black Panther Wakanda Forever Denzel Washington as Macrinus talking to the Senate in Gladiator 2 Shuri in her Black Panther suit in Black Panther Wakanda Forever Denzel Washington looking confused as Robert McCall in The Equalizer

It’s key to remember that, since Black Panther 3 hasn’t been formally announced by Marvel Studios, it’s too early for anyone who would be involved with the film to comment on casting, even if it includes a major Hollywood icon like Washington. Based on Moore’s comments, it wouldn’t be shocking if there isn’t an official deal yet in place for Washington, but rather discussions about getting him into the MCU franchise. Depending on what’s happening with Black Panther 3, it may be a while until Washington is officially signed on to be in the film.

Given that it would be one of the biggest additions to the entire MCU, casting Washington in Black Panther 3 would be fascinating, as it would have to be a big role. Whether it is a hero or villain is a separate issue, but no matter who he would play in Black Panther 3, Coogler and his creative team would want to get it absolutely right. Assuming it could be a one-and-done gig for Washington, Moore is making it clear that they want to make it worth his while, as well as worth it for the audience.

Our Take On Nate Moore’s Black Panther 3 Comments

Washington’s Casting Could Have Exciting Impications For The Movie

Denzel Washington holding some papers in Crimson Tide

Based on Moore’s Black Panther 3 comments, if they end up getting Washington in the film, the MCU sequel may very well pull from the larger Black Panther mythology. Given what a tremendous actor he is, it will be exciting to see how Washington would fit into the massive superhero franchise. Hopefully, as 2025 progresses forward, more updates will start to emerge for Black Panther 3, including what role Washington will actually have in the movie.