A brilliant concept trailer for Marvel Studios Black Panther 3 casts Will Smith as the new Black Panther in the MCU, making his black superhero dreams a reality. The late Chadwick Boseman first brought T'Challa's Black Panther to life in 2016 Captain America: Civil Warand embarked on a solo adventure in 2018 Black Pantherbut was tragically unable to return for the sequel because of his sudden passing in 2020. Boseman was succeeded as Black Panther by Letitia Wright's Shuri, but it's unclear whether she will continue to hold the mantle in the future of the MCU.
It's possible that the as-yet-unconfirmed Marvel Studios film Black Panther 3 could see someone new take on the mantle of Black Panther. A concept trailer shared by KH Studio Imagine this to be Hollywood legend Will Smith, who becomes a temporary Black Panther to protect Wakanda in Shuri's mysterious absence. Will Smith has previously commented on his desire to portray a black superhero, and Black Panther is one of the most notable and powerfulthen this could be a perfect match.
What Will Smith's appearance in the MCU would mean
Will Smith may seek career redemption in the MCU
With his films grossing more than $9.5 billion in total, Will Smith is one of Hollywood's most bankable and successful stars, but his career has taken a notable lull since the controversial events of the 2022 Oscar ceremony. Marvel Studios has a pattern of hiring some controversial faces in need of redemption, most notably Robert Downey Jr. himself, so it would make sense for Will Smith to join the MCU. In conversation with HQ In September 2021, Will Smith revealed that he's always wanted to play a black superhero, so Black Panther could be a fantastic role for him.
I have always avoided making films about slavery. At the beginning of my career… I didn't want to show black people in that light. I wanted to be a superhero. So I wanted to portray black excellence alongside my white counterparts. I wanted to play roles that you would give to Tom Cruise. And the first time I considered this was Django [Unchained]. But I didn't want to make a film about slavery and revenge.
Will Smith came close to portraying a powerful black hero in the DC Extended Universe, being cast as villain-turned-antihero Deadshot in 2016. Suicide Squad. However, a more heroic role in the MCU could make his black superhero dreams come true and could be a fantastic way to redeem himself after the infamous Oscar slap. Will Smith is a remarkable actor who deserves to showcase his talent on screenand the MCU would be a great place for him to foster a positive reputation again.
Our opinion on Will Smith playing a new Black Panther
Will Smith would make a powerful Black Panther
Over the years, Will Smith has been cast in some iconic action films, including films like Independence Day, Men in Black, Bad Boys, Hancock and Suicide Squad. He's also taken on some heartfelt dramatic roles, in projects like The search for happiness, collateral beauty and King Richardand This brilliant array of talent perfectly equipped Will Smith for the role of Black Panther. The protector of Wakanda is a vulnerable but powerful and hard-hitting character, so Will Smith seeking redemption in the MCU could be good news for Black Panther 3.
Black Panther 3 is the unannounced but teased third entry in the film series that exists as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film will pick up some time after the events of Wakanda Forever, with the new Black Panther once again taking up the mantle.
- Studio(s)
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Marvel Studios
- Distributor(s)
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Walt Disney Studios Films
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- Release date
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February 14, 2025
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- Release date
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July 25, 2025
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- Release date
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July 24, 2026