5 Things You Should Know About David Jonsson, the New Black Panther
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New Era
Wakanda will soon have a new Black Panther, but who is the man set to play the historic Marvel role?
July 29, 2026
The Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Black Panther franchise have entered a new era. During this year’s Comic-Con, Marvel Studios and director Ryan Coogler officially announced that David Jonsson will take on the role of the new Black Panther.
Now, years after Chadwick Boseman’s untimely passing and the box office hit film’s sequel, Wakanda Forever, Jonsson will step into the role of Prince T’Challa II and carry on Boseman’s legacy and performance as the Black Panther. Coogler reportedly met with Jonsson in secret following the awards campaign for Sinners. According to Marvel Studios’ president Kevin Feige, Coogler immediately knew Jonsson was the right actor for the role.
“I found him. He’s the guy, David Jonsson,” Feige recalled Coogler telling him on a call. ‘I’m going to meet him.’ He had a secret meeting with him under the cloak of darkness in a hotel somewhere and called me afterward and said, ‘He’s the guy. He’s the guy. I felt it. I felt it in my soul. He’s a good man, and he is the next Black Panther.”
In the days since the major announcement, one question remains: Who is the actor that will play the new Black Panther? Here is a list of five things you should know about rising British actor David Jonsson.
This list was originally published on VIBE.
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David Jonsson is From London and the Youngest of Five Siblings
Image Credit: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images Jonsson was born and raised in East London, England, and described his neighborhood as community-oriented despite the challenges it presented. Growing up in Custom House, he has spoken openly to the Hollywood Authentic about the violence in the area and how it shaped his perspective on life.
“I’m not being funny or nothing, but where I grew up, there were stabbings every other week, month. I went to too many memorials,” he shared. “Depending on where you grow up, it dictates what is possible or what you think is possible.”
Jonsson, 32, is the youngest of five children. His parents separated when he was 11 years old, and he was raised in a single-parent household while his mother worked as a police officer in North London. His older siblings also helped raise him. He later moved to New York after earning a scholarship to study theater history at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
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He’s Starred in Multiple Films and Television Shows
Image Credit: Chris Harris/© Searchlight Pictures/Everett Collection Jonsson is far from a newcomer. The British actor made his on-screen debut in the television series Endeavour in 2018, portraying Cromwell Ames. Since then, he has starred in projects including Rye Lane (2023), Alien: Romulus (2024), Industry (2020), and most recently The Long Walk (2025).
Beyond acting, Jonsson has also worked behind the camera as a writer and producer. While Black Panther 3 is currently in pre-production, he also has several upcoming projects, including Alien: Romulus 2. He is also reportedly set to lead an untitled Frank Ocean-directed project in partnership with A24.
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Jonsson is an Award-Winning Actor
Image Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images In 2025, Jonsson won the BAFTA Rising Star Award, an honor that is especially significant as it’s the only BAFTA category voted on by the British public. The recognition came after his breakout performances as Andy in Alien: Romulus, Dom in Rye Lane, and his role in HBO’s Industry.
His accolades also include the Best Male Actor in a Play award at the 2022 Black British Theatre Awards for his performance in and breathe and the Robert Altman Award at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards as part of the ensemble cast of The Long Walk.
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He Shares a Birthday with Beyoncé and Damon Wayans
Image Credit: Jacopo Raule/Getty Images Born on Sept. 4, 1993, Jonsson joins a long list of celebrities born under the sun sign of Virgo, including Zendaya, Keke Palmer, and Michael Jackson. He also shares a birthday with Beyoncé and comedian, actor, and producer Damon Wayans. Virgos are known to possess analytical, detail-oriented, and perfectionist qualities, which many believe could serve Jonsson well as he takes on one of Marvel’s most iconic roles.
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Jonsson Founded a Production Company
Image Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images As independent filmmaking continues to grow, Jonsson has also taken charge behind the camera. In 2025, he partnered with producer Sophia Gibber to launch his production company, Grey Area, to tell the stories that don’t fit in one particular category.
“We founded Grey Area because the stories we love don’t live in black and white,” Jonsson told Variety. “They live in the contradictions, complexities, and all the emotional truths in between; that’s where the most compelling storytelling happens.”
The company is backed by Tricky Knot, an entertainment financing company that supports the next generation of actor-led production ventures. Jonsson has also shared that he is currently developing several projects with what he describes as “brilliant people” as he expands into producing.
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