Sierra Leone’s link to the New Black Panther: David Jonsson

There’s a new Black Panther and this time, it’s a Krio borbor with roots from Sierra Leone.

Marvel Studios made the announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where director Ryan Coogler revealed David Jonsson, the British actor of Nigerian and Sierra Leonean heritage, will take on one of the most iconic superhero roles of this generation.

Jonsson, 32, has been cast as T’Challa II, the son of the late King T’challa in Black Panther 3, scheduled for release on December 15th, 2028. The film also marks Coogler’s third return to direct the Black Panther franchise. 

For Sierra Leoneans around the world, the casting is more than another Marvel headline. It’s a proud moment. Seeing an actor with Sierra Leonean roots step into the legacy of Wakanda is a reminder that Salone stories, heritage, and talent continues to reach the global stage. 

The role of T’Challa was immortalised by the late Chadwick Boseman, whose powerful performance inspired millions before his passing in 2020. Boseman also traced his ancestry to the Limba and Krio people of Salone and the Yoruba of Nigeria. No wonder Boseman and Jonsson bear a resemblance. 

In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the story shifted its focus to Shuri, played by British actress Leticia Wright, while introducing audiences to T’Challa’s young son. Black Panther 3 now brings that story full circle, with Jonsson portraying the next generation of Wakanda’s King. 

Speaking at Comic-Con, Coogler teased that Jonsson’s character “grows up” and “comes of age,” signaling a true passing of the torch.

David Jonsson (middle) with his co-stars Liticia Wright (left) and Winston Duke (right)

The Internet Approves 

The announcement was met with excitement across Hollywood and beyond. 

Leticia Wright welcomed her new co-star with an exciting, “Let’s go nephew!” on Instagram. 

Actors including Jodie Turner-Smith, Ncuti Gatwa, Terry Crews, and Ayo Edebiri also celebrated the news, while film fans praised Marvel’s choice of one of Britain’s fastest-rising stars. 

Film critic and content creator Gerry Otim described Jonsson as “one of the best” young actors working today, praising the emotional depth and authenticity he brings to every performance.

Taking the stage after the announcement, Jonsson expressed his gratitude. 

“Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and privilege and the blessing to join. I actually don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking.”

The audience responded with great applause. 

 

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From East London to Wakanda

Raised in a working-class family in East London, Jonsson has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most talented young actors. In recent years, he became the first Black actor to lead an Agatha Christie television adaptation and earned widespread recognition for standout performances across film and television. 

His recent works include Rye Lane (2023) which was a breakout performance that earned him a British Independent Film Award (BIFA) nomination, Murder is Easy (2023), Alien: Romulus (2024), which won the BAFTA Rising Star Award, The Long Walk (2025), and Wasteman (2025) where he served as the lead actor and executive producer earning another BIFA nomination. 

David Jonsson with his BAFTA rising star award in 2025

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat last year, Jonsson credited Black filmmakers and his family for inspiring his journey into acting. 

“My dad loved movies and he was a huge advocate for us watching and appreciating art. I’m eternally grateful for them taking a chance and saying, ‘Do what you want.’”