Damson Idris cryptically responds to ‘Black Panther’ speculation: “I’m excited”
Damson Idris has responded to rumours that he could be set to take over the lead role in the Black Panther franchise, saying he is thankful to be considered.
The actor was speaking to Variety on the red carpet ahead of the Golden Globes on January 11th when he was asked about the swirling rumours on social media that he could be assuming the Black Panther mantle for its upcoming third instalment.
Without confirming or denying any of the speculation, Idris responded by saying: “I’m thankful to the fans. Obviously it’s rumours, but I love the movie, I love that world, and I love that people can see the future of that too, because it’s moving in a brilliant direction.”
Adding that he was “excited for the third one,” the actor was then asked if he would have anything to say to the series’ director, Ryan Coogler, to which he said: “Make sure it’s amazing, but I know he’ll do that.”
The speculation around a third Black Panther film has grown in recent months, alongside the rumour that Idris could be attached to take over the iconic lead role of T’Challah.
The first Black Panther film was released in 2018 to critical acclaim, but following the tragic death of its main star Chadwick Boseman in 2020, the future of the series has remained in doubt.
The follow-up film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, paid tribute to Boseman’s T’Challah, with his sister Shura, played by Letitia Wright, ultimately stepping into the role of Black Panther.
Marvel initially stated that they would not seek to recast Boseman’s role in its cinematic universe, but a leaked report from The Insneider last year allegedly said that fresh plans were in motion to bring a new actor into the part, hence Idris’s name being circulated.
The actor has flirted with the rumours ever since they first emerged, taking to X in January last year with a now-deleted response to a post which claimed he had rejected the role. With this, Idris jokingly said at the time that he had also knocked back the chance to play James Bond and star in a biopic of Eddie Murphy.
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