Damson Idris Drops Major Hint About Taking Over as Black Panther — Is It Official?
Speculation about the future of Black Panther is heating up, and actor Damson Idris is at the center of it. During a lively “yes or no” game on NBC’s Today show, host Craig Melvin asked the 33-year-old F1: The Movie star if he’d spoken to Marvel about taking on the role of T’Challa. Idris groaned and replied, “Yes-no!”
Melvin pushed back, saying, “By the way, the yes-no means yes,” to which Idris countered, “Uh, it could mean no!” But when asked if he’d accept the role if offered, Idris was clear: “Yes.”
The exchange reignited rumors that started in January when The InSneider reported Marvel might recast T’Challa, despite earlier statements that Chadwick Boseman’s iconic role wouldn’t be replaced after his passing.
Idris fanned the flames earlier this year with a now-deleted X post responding to claims he’d turned down the part. Sarcastically, he wrote, “Yes sir. I turned down 007, A co-lead film with Daniel Day Lewis and an Eddie Murphy biopic too.”
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Meanwhile, Black Panther 3 remains in early development. Director Ryan Coogler, recently focused on his film Sinners, hasn’t begun work on the sequel. However, Coogler has expressed excitement about collaborating with Denzel Washington for the project.
In a discussion with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, he said, “I’m dying to work with Denzel and I’m hoping we can make that happen.” Washington himself hinted at this last year, revealing Coogler was crafting a role for him.
Marvel producer Nate Moore recently addressed the T’Challa casting rumors, stating no decisions have been made. With Coogler not yet working on the film, Moore emphasized that talks about recasting Boseman’s character aren’t happening, though he left the possibility open.
For now, Idris’s playful comments keep the speculation alive, but Marvel is staying quiet on whether he could don the Black Panther suit.
Idris’s coy responses are intriguing, but I’m torn on recasting T’Challa. Boseman’s performance was unforgettable, and replacing him feels risky, yet Idris could bring fresh energy.
Coogler’s interest in Denzel Washington is exciting, his gravitas would elevate any role. I hope Marvel finds a way to honor Boseman while moving forward. What do you think about Idris as T’Challa or Washington joining Black Panther 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below!