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David Jonsson has officially stepped into one of the biggest roles in Hollywood, but the internet is already asking whether somebody else was supposed to wear the suit first.
Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios pulled the curtain back at San Diego Comic Con, confirming that Jonsson will lead “Black Panther 3″ as the grown up Prince T’Challa II, the son of T’Challa and Nakia who was quietly introduced at the end of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The crowd reportedly erupted into Wakanda chants as the announcement became one of the convention’s biggest moments.
Now comes the rumor mill.
For months, we had convinced themselves that Damson Idris was destined to become the next Black Panther. The speculation only grew after the actor playfully entertained questions about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe during promotional appearances. He never confirmed anything, but he never completely shut it down either.
Now whispers circulating claim the race eventually came down to Idris and Jonsson. The negotiations with Idris allegedly hit a wall over contract terms before Marvel finalized a multi picture agreement with Jonsson. At this point, none of those reported contract details have been confirmed by Marvel or Idris. We can speculate.
Then there is the OTHER Mill. Damn, Son. Idris should not have dated Lori Harvey, according to sources close to me. They are saying that the “bro code” is a live and well with Michael B. Jordan and his long-time friend Ryan Coogler. Coogy was not going to elevate this dude to mythic level in Marvel.
What is confirmed is that Marvel chose a route many people did not expect. Instead of recasting Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, Coogler is moving the franchise forward by aging up the King’s son. I have mixed feelings about that, but OH WELL. It is a creative decision that allows the series to honor Boseman’s legacy while opening the door to a fresh chapter in Wakandan history. I think all these multiverses allow the same grace. But, whatever.
As for Jonsson, he has quietly built an impressive résumé with acclaimed performances in “Industry,” “Alien: Romulus,” and “The Long Walk.” Those who have followed his work are not exactly surprised that Marvel came calling. The bigger surprise may simply be that the search is finally over.
So now the conversation shifts from who almost got the role to whether David Jonsson can make the Black Panther mantle his own. I WILL BE WATCHING!
