(Photo Credit: Marvel Studios)
The latest predictions for the next lead of Black Panther 3 have been revealed. Despite rumors about the studio’s search for the next T’Challa, the results seemingly confirm that many fans are not yet entirely sold on the idea of Marvel Studios casting a new actor to succeed Chadwick Boseman.
Who is the top predicted protagonist for Black Panther 3?
Leading the latest predictions for the potential Black Panther 3 protagonist, per Kalshi (as of June 8), are franchise vets Letitia Wright and Winston Duke. Wright has a significant lead over the other nine predicted actors, indicating that 44% of fans are sure that Shuri will once again be the main protagonist in the third installment. Meanwhile, Duke holds the second spot at 9%, followed closely by Damson Idris at 8%.
Since last year, rumors about Idris potentially getting cast as the next Black Panther have circulated online. It continues to gain traction, especially after the Snowfall star was previously seen accompanying Black Panther vet Angela Bassett at the Vogue World: Hollywood event, where the acclaimed actress was dressed as Queen Ramonda. Even though he holds the third spot, he only has a 1% advantage over three other actors, including Michael B. Jordan. This is a surprising result, given that fans know that Jordan’s Killmonger clearly died in the first movie.
Listed below are the full prediction results:
Letitia Wright – 44%
Winston Duke – 9%
Damson Idris – 8%
Michael B. Jordan – 7%
Denzel Washington 7%
John Boyega – 7%
Aaron Pierre – 5%
Daniel Kaluuya – 5%
John David Washington – 5%
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – 5%
Black Panther 3 is expected to be director Ryan Coogler’s next directorial project, after scoring an Academy Award for his work on 2025’s Sinners. Previous reports suggest that the third installment may begin filming on June 15, 2026 in London, England. A recent listing also revealed that the story might “explore Wakanda’s vulnerability after T’Challa’s death, with Shuri stepping up as both warrior and leader.” At the moment, it has no official release date.
