Cooper Hood is the Associate Editor for all new movie releases, in theaters and on streaming. In addition to writing articles about these titles and upcoming releases, he also oversees content planning for each, ensuring that ScreenRant continues to cover major releases for months after their release.
He has written various reviews for ScreenRant that appear on Rotten Tomatoes, coordinated Oscars and San Diego Comic-Con coverage, appeared on CNN to talk about Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, and done select interviews with talent over the years.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has never been short on star power. Even in the early days when Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth were less proven, respected Hollywood icons like Jeff Bridges, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, and Anthony Hopkins were cast opposite them in major roles. And after The Avengers, everyone wanted to be part of the MCU.
That’s brought some incredibly exciting casting announcements over the years. Robert Redford joined Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Tilda Swinton boarded Doctor Strange, Kurt Russell saddled up for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Cate Blanchett played the main villain in Thor: Ragnarok. The allure of Marvel even helped them snag Brie Larson and Mahershala Ali fresh off Oscar wins.
Avengers: Doomsday’s cast and who all return in Avengers: Secret Wars will certainly bring excitement, as could Spider-Man: Brand New Day if Sadie Sink is playing Jean Grey as theorized. But there’s a different casting that’s already known that’s more exciting than anything else on the horizon or from recent memory.
Denzel Washington Is Joining The MCU For Black Panther 3
Denzel Washington is one of the biggest names in Hollywood, and his incredible talent as a performer has made him a popular name mentioned for casting various MCU characters over the years. (Magneto was a fan-favorite suggestion.) Yet, nothing ever materialized, with the actor even stating in interviews that Marvel – nor DC – had ever contacted him about being in one of their movies.
That’s finally changed, as he’s officially onboard to star in Black Panther 3. The news came in 2024, when Denzel confirmed his MCU casting by saying, “Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me.” So far, though, the exact role that he will play is unconfirmed, as he refrained from revealing that information when asked by ScreenRant.
While Marvel Studios hasn’t commented on the nature of Denzel’s involvement, Black Panther 3’s director has after the actor spilled the beans. Coogler praised Denzel when discussing the upcoming chance to work together, noting that he’s been trying to pull off this collaboration for a long time.
I’ve been trying to work with him since day one, I think he’s the greatest living actor. And in terms of what he means to our culture, forget about it. I’ve been talking to him about this for a long time, and I was surprised when he mentioned it. But it’s not like it’s not true.
Even though the casting is confirmed, we’re still years away from actually seeing Denzel in the MCU. Black Panther 3 doesn’t have a confirmed release date, but the earliest landing spot for it is 2028. That’ll be roughly four years from the time the actor confirmed his involvement and still over two years from now. And if plans for Avengers: Secret Wars change at all, Denzel’s debut could be delayed to 2029.
Why Denzel Washington’s MCU Casting Is So Exciting
No matter when it happens, Denzel joining the MCU will be a monumental moment, especially with it coming in Black Panther 3. He’s one of the greatest actors of all-time and has found success in all areas of his career. He can turn even the smallest of parts into something memorable. But there’s little reason to think Coogler would write a part for Denzel that isn’t substantial.
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Black Panther 3 could then become one of Denzel’s final major acting roles, as he’s been hinting at retirement for a few years. That’d be quite special considering his connection to the franchise’s original star Chadwick Boseman. Denzel paid for Chadwick’s acting classes through a beneficiary program, with the Black Panther star later saying, “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”
That history added with the usual power that comes with Denzel’s acting make his debut in Black Panther 3 the most exciting bit of casting Marvel has done recently. And if everything goes as well as it could, I wouldn’t be surprised if he delivers one of the best performances the MCU has ever had.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Created by Kevin Feige First Film Iron Man Upcoming Films Blade, Avengers: Doomsday (2026), Avengers: Secret Wars First TV Show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Upcoming TV Shows Marvel Zombies, Wonder Man, Vision Quest Cast Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Edward Norton, Paul Rudd, Tom Holland, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Brie Larson, Chadwick Boseman, Sebastian Stan, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Pom Klementieff, Josh Brolin, Karen Gillan, Clark Gregg, Paul Bettany, Don Cheadle, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Simu Liu, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Angelina Jolie, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Barry Keoghan, Gemma Chan, Ma Dong-seok, Brian Tyree Henry, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Lia McHugh, Jonathan Majors
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