‘Snowfall’ Star Says He’s Ready to Be the Next Black Panther

Damson Idris, best known for his role as Franklin Saint in the FX drama Snowfall, is making waves in Hollywood. Snowfall debuted in 2017 and follows the story of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the early 1980s.

Now, Idris is packing theaters with his role in F1, and rumors have started swirling that he could be the next actor to play Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In a recent interview with USA Today, the topic came up, and when asked if he had spoken with Marvel about the role, Idris gave a playful “Yes No” answer, suggesting he didn’t want to give a clear response. When asked if he would accept the role if offered, Idris said yes without hesitation.

There have been rumors about recasting T’Challa, the Black Panther character, but Marvel Studios’ VP of Production & Development, Nate Moore, recently dismissed those claims.

A few months ago he explained that no talks have happened yet about Black Panther’s future with director Ryan Coogler, who was at the time focused on Sinners. Moore didn’t completely rule out recasting in the future, but for now, he said those rumors are false because no decisions have been made.

The third Black Panther film has been quietly moving forward for a while. Back in November 2022, Ryan Coogler and Marvel boss Kevin Feige talked about making a new Black Panther movie.

Early in 2023, actor Letitia Wright hinted the cast and Coogler needed some time to rest before starting work on it again. By late 2024, Coogler had even talked with Denzel Washington about a role in the movie. In June, Coogler confirmed Washington would be part of the cast. Meanwhile, Nate Moore announced he would leave Marvel Studios in March 2025 to pursue other projects but will still produce Black Panther 3 alongside Marvel.

Kevin Feige, at the Fantastic Four: First Steps press event, confirmed the third Black Panther film is definitely happening, though no release date has been announced yet. Feige teased, “We know [when on the timeline it is], and if he’s telling you he doesn’t, that’s perfect,” referring to Coogler’s plans.

So while there’s still some mystery around the next Black Panther, it’s clear the film is in the works, with Idris showing interest and Coogler bringing in big names like Denzel Washington. Fans will just have to wait and see how it all unfolds.

The video was first published by USA Today.

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