Fans ‘Win’ as ‘Greatest Living Actor’ Joins Iconic Movie Franchise originally appeared on Parade.
It’s finally happening! Denzel Washington is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as he’s been cast for Black Panther 3.
It’s a huge deal for MCU fans, who have waited a long time to see Washington take on a role within the franchise. It’s also a big deal for director Ryan Coogler, who is just as excited as fans about this epic casting.
Coogler confirmed Washington’s upcoming role during a segment of “F–k With It or F–k Out of Here” on Carmelo Anthony‘s 7 p.m. in Brooklyn podcast.
“That’s a big f–k with it,” Coogler said when asked about casting Washington.
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Coogler confirmed, “There’s no fiction out there about that,” and detailed how he’s writing a role specifically for Washington in the upcoming superhero sequel.
“Denzel is family at this point,” Coogler said. “I’ve been trying to work with him since day one. I think he’s the greatest living actor. In terms of what he means to our culture? Forget about it, man.”
Reaction to the Black Panther 3 casting news was quick, as fans have been calling for The Equalizer star to star in an MCU film for years.
One fan took to X and wrote, “Idc what anybody says, Denzel Washington in the Black Panther franchise is an absolute W.”
Idc what anybody says, Denzel Washington in the Black Panther franchise is an absolute W pic.twitter.com/zFZfURCZV3
— Winston. (@ayeWinston) June 6, 2025
Another fan wrote what many were thinking with a meme and a message that said, “Denzel Washington climatic speech to Wakanda…”
Denzel Washington climatic speech to Wakanda… pic.twitter.com/IrktZHSUSG
— Xtina (@Charmqn2004) June 6, 2025
One fan even pointed out how this is a full circle moment: “This is dope because Denzel provided financial assistance to Chadwick during his college years. Denzel also came to the 2018 premiere!”
Of course, there are the naysayers, with one unimpressed X user writing, “I didn’t want a Black Panther 2. I definitely don’t want a 3rd. Should’ve left it at greatness with the first one.”
But that person is in the minority, as most are excited about Washington’s new role, which is one of just a handful before the 70-year-old retires from acting, as one fan reminded, “And to know that it’s one of the 5-6 movies he’s penned for before his retirement. Yep! We WON big.”
Fans ‘Win’ as ‘Greatest Living Actor’ Joins Iconic Movie Franchise first appeared on Parade on Jun 6, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
