Black Panther 3: Will Smith's Superhero Dream Is Realized As He Becomes Wakanda's Protector In MCU Concept Trailer

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A brilliant concept trailer for Marvel Studios' Black Panther 3 casts Will Smith as the new Black Panther in the MCU, making his Black superhero dreams a reality. The late Chadwick Boseman first brought T'Challa's Black Panther to life in 2016's Captain America: Civil War, and embarked on a solo adventure in 2018's Black Panther, but tragically couldn't return for the sequel because of his sudden passing in 2020. Boseman was succeeded as the Black Panther by Letitia Wright's Shuri, but it's unclear whether she will continue to hold the mantle in the MCU's future.

It's possible that Marvel Studios' as-yet-unconfirmed Black Panther 3 could see someone new take up the Black Panther mantle. A concept trailer shared by KH Studio imagines this being Hollywood legend Will Smith, who becomes a temporary Black Panther to protect Wakanda in Shuri's mysterious absence. Will Smith has previously commented on his desire to portray a Black superhero, and Black Panther is one of the most notable and powerful, so this could be a match made in heaven.

What Will Smith's MCU Appearance Would Mean

Will Smith Could Seek Career Redemption In The MCU

With his films having grossed over $9.5 billion in total, Will Smith is one of Hollywood's most profitable and successful stars, but his career has seen a noticeable lull since the controversial events of 2022's Academy Awards ceremony. Marvel Studios has a pattern of hiring some controversial faces in need of redemption, most notably Robert Downey Jr. himself, so it would make sense for Will Smith to join the MCU. In conversation with GQ in September 2021, Will Smith revealed that he had always wanted to play a Black superhero, so Black Panther could be a fantastic role for him.

I’ve always avoided making films about slavery. In the early part of my career… I didn’t want to show Black people in that light. I wanted to be a superhero. So I wanted to depict Black excellence alongside my white counterparts. I wanted to play roles that you would give to Tom Cruise. And the first time I considered it was Django [Unchained]. But I didn’t want to make a slavery film about vengeance.

Will Smith came close to portraying a powerful Black hero in the DC Extended Universe, being cast as the villain-turned-antihero Deadshot in 2016's Suicide Squad. A more heroic role in the MCU could make his Black superhero dreams come true, however, and could be a fantastic way to redeem himself following the infamous Oscars slap. Will Smith is a remarkable actor who deserves to showcase his talents on-screen, and the MCU would be a great place for him to re-foster a positive reputation.

Will Smith's Superhero Movie History Explained

As already mentioned, Smith previously played Deadshot in David Ayer's Suicide Squad, but didn't return for James Gunn's soft reboot thanks to scheduling conflicts. The leadership role in The Suicide Squad subsequently went to Idris Elba, despite producer Peter Safran hinting to the press that he would have been back:

We discussed it. But I think the Will [Smith] of it all was really more of a schedule thing than anything else. We knew we had to start shooting in September [2019] because, frankly, we knew probably earlier than other people did that James was going to come back and do Guardians. So it was really important that we started shooting when we started shooting and Will wasn't available, and that kind of made it easier all around. What are you going to do? He's not available. So it's also nice to, frankly, help separate it from the first movie, I think, in a greater fashion.

Smith actually expressed interest in reviving his Deadshot in the wake of Suicide Squad, telling fans on his YouTube channel, of his hope for a solo spin-off project: "I hope so. I love playing Deadshot. I really enjoyed that character." He also revealed that there had been meetings to discuss the movie: "They've been talking about it. So if a good idea comes around, we've been having meetings. But I would love to. I love Deadshot." Unfortunately, that came to nothing when DC shifted focus.

He also played a tortured superhero in the underrated Hancock in 2008, which was initially intended to be considerably darker, but arguably wouldn't have matched Smith's star power. He - and co-star Charlize Theron - expressed interest in returning to play the character again, but despite director Peter Berg saying an idea was percolating, we've heard nothing else since. Perhaps the MCU can revive his superhero fortunes in an even bigger way, giving him another comic book movie role after his starring role in the Men In Black movies (which were loosely based on the Aircel comic - now owned by Marvel).

Our Take On Will Smith Playing A New Black Panther

Will Smith Would Make A Powerful Black Panther

Over the years, Will Smith has been cast in some iconic action movies, including the likes of Independence Day, Men in Black, Bad Boys, Hancock and Suicide Squad. He has also taken on some heartfelt dramatic roles, in projects including The Pursuit of Happyness, Collateral Beauty and King Richard, and this brilliant range of talent has perfectly equipped Will Smith for the role of Black Panther. The protector of Wakanda is a vulnerable but heavy-hitting and powerful character, so Will Smith seeking redemption in the MCU could be good news for Black Panther 3.

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Black Panther 3 is the unannounced but teased third entry in the series of films that exists as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film will pick up some time after the events of Wakanda Forever, with the new Black Panther once again taking up the mantle.

Studio(s) Marvel Studios

Distributor(s) Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures