Ryan Gosling is not joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the new Black Panther, despite widespread rumors that caught fire online this month.
TMZ has officially confirmed that Gosling “has not been cast, nor has he been eyed, to play an iteration of Black Panther.”
A source close to the production told the outlet there has been “no casting, no meetings, and no plans” involving the actor for the role.
The speculation started after the release of Marvel Knights: The World to Come Vol. 1 #1, a June 2025 comic that introduced a new version of Black Panther — one with blond hair, blue eyes, and a noticeably different background.
Fans quickly noticed the character’s resemblance to Gosling, and from there, the internet exploded with theories, memes, and even AI-generated images imagining the actor in the iconic suit.
That buzz snowballed into online chatter and even news headlines, but as TMZ pointed out, many fans confused fictional elements and fan art with official casting news.
While Gosling isn’t involved, Black Panther 3 is very much happening and already in development.
Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige announced the project in December 2024, and Ryan Coogler is returning as director. Letitia Wright is also expected to return as Shuri, continuing her journey in the franchise’s central role.
One of the biggest updates about the third film is that Denzel Washington is officially part of the cast. “A part specifically written for him,” Coogler recently revealed, adding to excitement surrounding the film’s direction.
Plot details for Black Panther 3 are still under wraps, and Marvel has not yet announced an official release date.
However, industry insiders suggest the film may arrive in theaters by February 2028. Until then, fans can look forward to Eyes of Wakanda, an animated anthology series set to premiere August 6 on Disney+. The series is expected to expand the Wakandan universe and offer deeper insights into its legacy, laying the groundwork for the next chapter in the franchise.
Despite the social media noise, the facts are now clear; Ryan Gosling is not the new Black Panther, but exciting things are still ahead for Wakanda.
