The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a well-oiled machine at this point, methodically releasing new content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. But folks who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order know that some franchises stand out as fan favorites. Chief among them is Ryan Coogler‘s Black Panther movies, and a rumor about the threequel claims a dead character will have a major role. To be honest, I’m so on board if this ends up being true.
At San Diego Comic-Con it was revealed that David Jonsson was cast in Black Panther 3 as T’Challa’s son, so development on the upcoming Marvel movie is clearly underway. Fans are eager for more information about the blockbuster, and a rumor from The Cosmic Circus claims that Angela Bassett might be back as Queen Ramonda. The outlet reported the following:
That is Queen Mother Ramonda, portrayed by Academy Award winner Angela Basset, who was nominated for the role for her portrayal in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. How exactly she would fit into this movie still is a mystery, given her death in the last film. However, with the Ancestral Plane, which we have been informed will play a more prominent role in this film (as opposed to the last two), we suppose anything is possible.
We should take this with a grain of salt for the time being, as there are plenty of Marvel rumors that don’t turn out to be true. But after Angela Bassett’s Oscar-nominated performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, it would make sense for Coogler to find a way to bring her back. And since dead characters already appear in the Ancestral Plane, that might be the perfect way to include the Malcolm X actress.
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Queen Ramonda’s death was one of the more gut-wrenching moments from Wakanda Forever, which was a meditation on grief. Bassett admitted she was “mortified” by her character’s ending, so maybe Ryan Coogler will make things up to her by having her return in the threequel ala the Ancestral Plane. Fingers crossed.
Information about Black Panther 3 has been slowly trickling out, and only time will tell what rumors and fan theories end up being legit. Winston Duke spoke to CinemaBlend about the threequel, teasing that Ryan Coogler is trying to inspire very specific conversations from audiences. Indeed, the first two movies did exactly this. The original was about generational trauma and colonization, while Wakanda Forever was all about grief. We’ll just have to wait and see what the Oscar-winning filmmaker has planned for the third chapter in his acclaimed franchise.
Black Panther 3 is currently expected to arrive in theaters on December 15, 2028. Since its not on the 2026 movie release list, fans will have to practice some patience. For now, the first two movies are streaming on Disney+.