The Marvel Cinematic Universe is entering a new chapter, and the Black Panther franchise is preparing for a major transition.
At this year’s Comic-Con, Marvel Studios and director Ryan Coogler officially announced British actor David Jonsson as the new Black Panther.
Jonsson will portray Prince T’Challa II, taking over the iconic role following the death of Chadwick Boseman and the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His casting marks a significant moment for the franchise as Marvel prepares to continue the story of Wakanda.
According to Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, Coogler became convinced that Jonsson was the right actor after meeting him privately.
Feige recalled that the director contacted him after the secret meeting and confidently declared that Jonsson was “the guy” who should become the next Black Panther.
But who exactly is David Jonsson? Here are five things to know about the rising British star.
1. He Grew Up in East London
Jonsson was born and raised in Custom House, East London, where he grew up as the youngest of five children.
His childhood was shaped by both a strong sense of community and the challenges of growing up in an area affected by violence.
Speaking about his upbringing, Jonsson has recalled witnessing frequent stabbings and attending memorials for people who lost their lives to violence. He has said that the environment in which a person grows up can influence what they believe is possible for their future.
His parents separated when he was 11, and Jonsson was raised largely by his mother, who worked as a police officer in North London. His older siblings also played an important role in helping raise him.
He later moved to New York after receiving a scholarship to study theatre at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
2. He Has Built an Impressive Acting Career
Although his rise to global fame is relatively recent, Jonsson is not new to the entertainment industry.
He made his television debut in the British series Endeavour in 2018, playing Cromwell Ames. He subsequently appeared in projects including Industry, Rye Lane, Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk.
His performance in Alien: Romulus helped introduce him to a wider international audience, while his role in Rye Lane further established him as one of Britain’s promising young actors.
Jonsson has also worked behind the scenes as a writer and producer. With Black Panther 3 in development, he is expected to continue expanding his career beyond acting.
3. He Is an Award-Winning Actor
Jonsson’s growing reputation has already been recognised with several major awards.
In 2025, he won the BAFTA Rising Star Award, one of the most prestigious honours for emerging British talent.
The award is particularly notable because it is the only BAFTA category voted for by the British public.
His performances in Alien: Romulus, Rye Lane and Industry helped establish him as a standout performer.
He has also received the Best Male Actor in a Play award at the 2022 Black British Theatre Awards for his performance in and breathe, as well as the Robert Altman Award at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards as part of the ensemble cast of The Long Walk.
4. He Shares a Birthday With Beyoncé
Jonsson was born on September 4, 1993, making him a Virgo. Interestingly, his birthday falls on the same day as global superstar Beyoncé and actor and comedian Damon Wayans.
His birth date also places him among celebrities such as Zendaya, Keke Palmer and the late Michael Jackson, who are all Virgos.
While astrology has no bearing on his acting ability, Virgos are often associated with qualities such as discipline, attention to detail and perfectionism characteristics that could prove useful as Jonsson takes on one of Marvel’s most demanding roles.
5. He Has His Own Production Company
Jonsson is not limiting his ambitions to acting. In 2025, he teamed up with producer Sophia Gibber to launch Grey Area, a production company focused on developing stories that do not fit neatly into conventional categories.
The company aims to explore complex and emotionally layered storytelling.
Grey Area is backed by Tricky Knot, an entertainment financing company that supports actor-led production ventures. Jonsson has indicated that he is already developing several projects through the company.
As he prepares to take on the Black Panther mantle, Jonsson is therefore entering the role not only as an accomplished actor but also as a creative force with ambitions behind the camera.
With Ryan Coogler’s vision guiding the next chapter of the franchise, David Jonsson now faces the enormous task of stepping into a role forever associated with Chadwick Boseman.
His growing body of work, awards recognition and creative ambitions suggest that Marvel has chosen an actor with both the talent and determination to make the character his own.
