Despite swirling rumors that ignited the internet this month, Ryan Gosling will not be donning the iconic mask of the new Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to official confirmation by TMZ, Gosling "has neither been cast nor considered for the role of Black Panther in any iteration." A trusted source close to the production revealed to the outlet that there have been "no castings, no meetings, and absolutely no plans" involving Gosling for this prestigious part.
The speculationstorm erupted following the release of Marvel Knights: The World to Come Vol. 1 #1, a June 2025 comic that unveiled a fresh version of Black Panther with blond hair, blue eyes, and a vastly different background. Fans swiftly drew parallels between this character and Gosling, sparking a digital deluge of theories, memes, and even AI-crafted images envisioning Gosling in the legendary costume. This online furor morphed into headlines and chatter, with many enthusiasts mistakenly blending fictional elements and fan art with legitimate casting announcements, as TMZ astutely pointed out.
While Gosling remains on the sidelines, Black Panther 3 is very much in the pipeline and actively under development. Marvel Studios' chief, Kevin Feige, announced the project in December 2024, with Ryan Coogler reprising his role as director. Letitia Wright is also poised to return as Shuri, continuing her pivotal journey within the franchise. A noteworthy update for the third film is the official addition of Denzel Washington to the cast, a role "specifically written for him," as Coogler recently disclosed, further heightening anticipation for the film's trajectory.
Plot details for Black Panther 3 remain shrouded in secrecy, with Marvel yet to unveil an official release date. However, industry insiders speculate that the film could grace theaters by February 2028. In the meantime, fans can eagerly anticipate Eyes of Wakanda, an animated anthology series set to premiere on Disney+ on August 6. This series is expected to broaden the Wakandan universe, offering deeper insights into its legacy and laying the groundwork for the franchise's next chapter.
Amidst the social media clamor, the facts are now crystal clear: Ryan Gosling will not be the new Black Panther. Yet, the future of Wakanda promises to be nothing short of exhilarating.
