The long-awaited sequel, Black Panther 3, has finally been confirmed by Marvel Studios, following a prolonged period of silence since the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in November 2022. This announcement comes after the departure of Nate Moore, a prominent executive at Marvel, who revealed he would continue to work on the sequel in a different capacity. With this momentum, discussions have intensified around potential casting choices, including a thought-provoking possibility—Will Smith.
In recent conversations surrounding Black Panther 3, Denzel Washington stirred interest by indicating he had been approached to join the cast. Although the specifics of Washington’s role are not yet clarified, his acknowledgment has led to speculations regarding other leading actors who might be involved in this major installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Among these possibilities is Will Smith, who has consistently expressed a keen interest in portraying a superhero. Despite currently being a topic of fan speculation, Smith remains one of the few elite Hollywood stars yet to enter the MCU fold. Various fan-made projects have even positioned him as a prominent figure in the anticipated Black Panther sequel. The excitement primarily stems from his desire for a role that reflects his aspirations of embodying a Black hero on screen.
Will Smith’s Aspiration for a Role in the MCU
Aiming to Represent Black Excellence
In a candid interview with GQ over three years ago, Will Smith discussed his ambitions regarding his film roles. He emphasized his desire to steer clear of narratives centered on slavery, advocating instead for roles that demonstrate Black excellence and heroism. Smith articulated this aspiration, stating:
“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. But I didn’t want to make a slavery film about vengeance.”
While Smith has played characters like Deadshot and other nuanced figures, neither fully encapsulates the superhero identity he yearns to embody. As Marvel moves forward with its plans for Black Panther 3, the opportunity for Will Smith to fulfill his dreams of portraying a bona fide superhero seems ripe for exploration.
A Potential Role: The Original Black Panther
Exploring the Legacy of Bashenga
One compelling character that could be beautifully explored in Black Panther 3 is Bashenga, the original Black Panther. He is documented in the franchise’s lore as the first Wakandan to consume the heart-shaped herb and take on the legendary mantle after experiencing a vision from the deity Bast. Although the storyline has prominently featured contemporary characters holding the mantle, delving into Bashenga’s historic contributions could enrich the narrative.
Fans can also anticipate seeing Bashenga’s story in the upcoming series, Eyes of Wakanda, launching on Disney+ on August 25. While I don’t propose that Black Panther 3 takes place in an ancient setting, incorporating flashbacks or scenes from the Ancestral Plane could provide depth to Bashenga’s narrative. This connection would align with Will Smith’s desire to embody a dynamic Black superhero, making it a fitting opportunity for him to shine in the role.
The Possibility of Will Smith Joining the Cast
The Impact of Smith’s Addition
The casting of eminent actors like Denzel Washington further signals Marvel’s commitment to assembling a stellar lineup for Black Panther 3. Incorporating Will Smith into this elite cast would undoubtedly heighten anticipation for the film among audiences. However, the situation raises questions about Marvel’s willingness to invest in two such high-profile stars.
Regardless, given Smith’s aspirations to portray a hero epitomizing “Black excellence,”Black Panther 3 stands as an exceptional opportunity for such a casting decision. As there has been no official word from Marvel regarding potential cast members aside from Washington, speculation about Smith’s involvement remains alive. I, for one, remain hopeful for what’s to come.
Source: GQ
Related Articles:
10 Confusing Sylvester Stallone Movie Moments That Leave You Puzzled
22:01
Top 10 Movies and TV Shows Starring Idris Elba
21:51
Surprising Fact: Only One Avengers Film Has Failed to Set Major MCU Box Office Records
21:47
Leave a Reply