Black Panther 3 Could Be the First Movie of Marvel’s Mutant Saga

Note: This article contains potential spoilers for Avengers: Secret Wars and Black Panther 3.

Marvel’s Avengers: Secret Wars is rumored to lead into a soft reboot of the MCU, launching Phase 7 and the beginning of the “Mutant Saga.” Following the events of Secret Wars, several universes are expected to merge into one shared Earth-616 world.

According to insider Alex Perez (via The Cosmic Circus), Black Panther 3 is currently being considered as the tentative first movie in Marvel’s upcoming Mutant Saga, while the X-Men movie is already in pre-production.

Black Panther 3 is now in the very early stages of development at Marvel Studios. The plot is rumored to focus much more on the mystical side of Wakandan history, mythology, and spiritual lore. It is also connected to the animated Marvel series Eyes of Wakanda, tying together more of Wakanda’s hidden history and mythology.

Alex confirmed that Shuri is expected to return in the film, teasing a callback to the emotional “Hey Auntie” line from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Recently, Variety reported that Sinners cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw and director Ryan Coogler are in talks to collaborate again on Black Panther 3.

During Happy Sad Confused, Coogler opened up about Black Panther 3.

Coogler said, “It’s a movie I’m incredibly excited about. That’s really the truth of it. I did get a chance to explore an inescapable human emotion, which is grief, with Wakanda Forever.”

Ryan Coogler also revealed that he is developing a specific role for Denzel Washington.

Coogler said, “Denzel is family at this point.” He added, “I’ve been trying to work with him since day one. I think he’s the greatest living actor. In terms of what he means to our culture — forget about it, man.”

Disney has recently added three new Marvel movie release dates to its 2028–2029 slate.

Confirmed upcoming Marvel films include:

• Spider-Man: Brand New Day — July 31, 2026 (co-produced with Sony Pictures)
• Avengers: Doomsday — December 18, 2026
• Avengers: Secret Wars — December 17, 2027

Marvel’s currently scheduled untitled films include:

• May 5, 2028
• July 28, 2028 (newly added)
• December 15, 2028
• May 4, 2029 (newly added)
• July 13, 2029 (newly added)

Source: The Cosmic Circus