Denzel Washington reached for his phone to make an unexpected mea culpa after accidentally leaking details about his involvement in Marvel’s next Wakandan adventure, Black Panther 3. During a candid moment on the Variety Awards Circuit podcast, the Oscar-winning actor revealed he frantically FaceTimed Black Panther director Ryan Coogler to apologize for spilling the beans on his role.
The initial slip occurred during Washington’s press tour for Gladiator II when he casually mentioned, "Ryan Coogler is writing a role for me in the upcoming Black Panther." The news spread rapidly, raising eyebrows and excitement among Marvel fans as it hinted at the storied actor entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Yet, this premature announcement stirred the pot, leaving many to wonder about the status of Black Panther 3, which has not been officially confirmed by Marvel.
Washington, discussing his future projects, stated, “I called him the other day. I forgot what it was about — no, I called him to apologize,” capturing the moment when he felt the need to make amends. He explained, “I said, ‘I’m sorry, man.’ He’s like, ‘No, man, it’s all good.’” The actor humorously recalled how they were hanging out and editing at the time, catching the director alongside his wife. Washington's candidness about the call provided insight not just about the film but also about the respect he carries for Coogler as someone he describes as “a genius.”
Following Washington's reveal, fans launched speculations about his potential character, which added to the intrigue around Black Panther 3 and its narratives. Both Black Panther films have performed exceptionally well at the box office, and this new installment is highly anticipated, especially after the poignant tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman.
The actor, reflecting on his career and collaborations, expressed excitement, “Man, are you kidding me? Just write it! Whatever you write, I’ll do it,” indicating his eagerness to be part of the franchise. Yet, he also made it clear his involvement was speculative since Marvel Studios hasn't officially greenlit Black Panther 3 even as the chatter grows among fans and industry insiders alike.
Despite Washington’s slip-up, he seems to maintain good rapport with Coogler. He described their conversations with light-hearted humor, mimicking Coogler’s cautious communication style, which emphasizes the depth of their working relationship. Washington’s admiration for Coogler was palpable as he noted, “He’s still Ryan, humble and full of ideas.”
Washington's potential participation is particularly significant due to his history with the late Boseman. Known for supporting Boseman's early career, Washington even funded the actor's studies. Their shared legacy adds weight to Washington’s potential role, stirring nostalgia and excitement for audiences who have closely followed the franchise.
Despite these developments, many questions remain. What character could Washington play? Will Marvel move forward with Black Panther 3 by incorporating such celebrated talent? The anticipation is tangible as the Marvel universe prefers to keep its projects tightly under wraps until ready for rollout. Until then, Washington has taken steps to clarify his position, ensuring fans understand the delicate nature of Hollywood secrets.
Marvel’s method of creating buzz often involves not just the stories but also the star power behind them. With Washington mentioning other upcoming projects, including his role as Hannibal and collaborations with acclaimed directors like Steve McQueen, fans are eager to know which role he would take on next, particularly one within the Marvelverse.
Washington's earlier comments sparked enthusiasm and fueled the fires of speculation throughout the Marvel fanbase, particularly how his addition would bring prestige to the next chapter of Black Panther. The franchise is well-known for showcasing diverse, powerful narratives and drawing upon Hollywood icons, where Washington would perfectly fit the mold of its grand storytelling.
It remains to be seen how this all plays out, especially with Washington indicating he’s approaching retirement but has exciting projects lined up. “For me it’s about the filmmakers,” he stated, which shows his focus on artistic collaboration over mere participation.
For now, though Washington has diffused some speculation with his apologies, his slip continues to add to the excitement surrounding the Marvel franchise. The notion of Washington joining the famed universe leaves fans hopeful, eager, and waiting for any news from Marvel about the much-awaited Black Panther 3. The final chapter of this saga — will Marvel confirm it? — rests with the powers behind the famous franchise.
