Ryan Coogler Finally Teams Up With His Acting Hero
After years of trying, Ryan Coogler is officially bringing Denzel Washington into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During a recent sit-down on Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, the Black Panther director opened up about his longtime wish to work with Washington—and how it’s finally happening in Black Panther 3, hitting theaters February 2028.
“Denzel is family at this point… I’ve been trying to work with him since day one,” Coogler told Anthony. “I think he’s the greatest living actor, and in terms of what he means to our culture, forget about it.”
Denzel Confirms Role—and Shares His Final Run of Films
News of Washington’s involvement first broke in late 2024, when he accidentally revealed during an Australian Today interview that Coogler was writing him into the Marvel franchise.
“Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther,” he said. “After that, I’m going to do the film Othello. After that, I’m going to do King Lear. After that, I’m going to retire.”
Washington added that at this point in his career, he only wants to work with the best: “It’s about the filmmakers. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. It’s probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.”
Coogler admitted he didn’t expect Washington to publicly confirm the news so early. “I was surprised when he mentioned it, but it’s not like it’s not true,” he said.
A New Era for Wakanda and a Legendary Final Act for Denzel
While fans are still coming to terms with the idea of Denzel Washington retiring, many are celebrating his final slate of work. From his Broadway role in Othello to his upcoming film with Spike Lee, Highest 2 Lowest—set for release in August 2025—Washington’s swan song is shaping up to be nothing short of iconic.
“I’m so hyped for this,” Coogler said about the Spike Lee project. “That trailer… the monologue… Denzel [is] in rare form. I just can’t put no words to how excited I am, man, because when [Lee] and Denzel get together, it’s always a masterpiece.”
‘Black Panther 3’ Lands February 2028
According to IMDb, Black Panther 3 is set to premiere in February 2028. While details about Washington’s character remain under wraps, fans already know this collaboration between Coogler and Washington is one for the history books.
What happens when a cinematic legend and one of today’s most visionary filmmakers join forces? You get Black Panther 3.
