Damson Idris has officially weighed in on the internet frenzy linking him to one of Marvel’s most closely guarded roles: the future of Black Panther. The British-Nigerian star addressed the speculation head-on while walking the red carpet at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, acknowledging the fan excitement while carefully steering clear of any confirmation.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the love,” Idris said, brushing off the rumors with a smile. “It’s just talk, but I’ve always loved that film and the world around it.” His comments did little to slow the momentum, as fans have been pushing his name as a potential new T’Challa since mid-2025, pointing to his acclaimed run on Snowfall and his upcoming Formula One biopic as proof he’s ready for blockbuster status. As of January 13, 2026, Marvel Studios has made no public announcements about casting for Black Panther 3.
The buzz around Idris first ignited last summer when he gave a deliberately vague “yes and no” response to questions about possible Marvel talks. That moment lined up with renewed reports that the studio was considering a recast of T’Challa following Chadwick Boseman’s death in 2020, potentially using the multiverse storyline expected to unfold after Avengers: Secret Wars.
Speculation exploded again in October when Idris attended a Black Panther–themed Vogue gala alongside Angela Bassett, who portrays Queen Ramonda. A now-deleted post on X that appeared to hint at his involvement sent fans into overdrive, with many treating it as accidental confirmation. Since then, industry chatter has suggested Idris could make an initial appearance in a future Avengers film before stepping into the spotlight in Black Panther 3.
Marvel’s silence has only intensified the hype, especially given the franchise’s massive box office legacy. The original Black Panther and Wakanda Forever each pulled in hundreds of millions worldwide, cementing Wakanda as one of the MCU’s most powerful brands. For many fans, Idris represents the ideal blend of rising star power and fresh energy to carry that legacy forward.
Online support for Idris has been relentless. Fans praise his screen presence, physical intensity, and ability to portray complex, conflicted characters. His performance as Franklin Saint in Snowfall is frequently cited as proof he can handle the emotional weight and leadership expected of T’Challa. Others point to his heritage as a natural fit for the role’s Afrofuturistic roots, adding authenticity without overshadowing Boseman’s impact.
While alternatives like reviving Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger continue to circulate, many viewers see Idris as a clean slate for the post–Secret Wars era of the MCU. On social media, fan accounts have racked up thousands of likes championing him as the next Wakandan king, with some joking that he’s already eclipsed even his long-running James Bond rumors.
Despite the nonstop chatter, Idris has remained carefully noncommittal. Rather than shutting the rumors down, he’s leaned into his admiration for the franchise, a move that has only fueled theories that he’s bound by a Marvel nondisclosure agreement. With the studio staying quiet and Black Panther 3 inching closer to production, fans continue to analyze every appearance, interview, and social post for hidden clues.
For now, Idris is keeping his focus on his upcoming projects, but in the eyes of many Marvel fans, the crown is already waiting.
