Ryan Coogler has officially announced that Denzel Washington will be part of the third instalment of Marvel’s Black Panther franchise.
The Gladiator II star hinted at his involvement last year, revealing that he was "planning a trip to Wakanda." However, he later admitted that he wasn’t supposed to disclose his role in the highly anticipated project.
And now a few months later, the Sinners director in a recent podcast episode of 7PM in Brooklyn With Carmelo Anthony, confirmed Denzel’s involvement in the film.
"I think he's the greatest living actor. And in terms of what he means to our culture, forget about it," he said. "I've been talking to him about this for a long time, and I was surprised when he mentioned it. But it's not like it's not true."
For the unversed, the Equalizer actor have a connection with the Black Panther franchise for a key reason beyond Coogler’s appreciation for his work in films such as Malcom X and Training Day.
Washington had shared a deep bond with Chadwick Boseman, who starred as the title character aka T’Challa, in the original Black Panther, before he died of colon cancer in 2020.
The before he died, Boseman honoured Washington while presenting him with the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. During his tribute, he revealed that Washington had been a silent benefactor who helped fund nine theater students from Howard University.
Boseman said then, "There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington."
Black Panther 3 release date is yet to be confirmed.
