Before You Judge David Jonsson, Remember Ryan Coogler’s Track Record
By Sharlon Reyes | July 28, 2026 | Celebrity & Culture
David Jonsson joining the Black Panther franchise as Prince T’Challa II, the son of King T’Challa, has the internet talking. Social media has been divided, with many fans arguing that Damson Idris would have been the better choice. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, I think many people are judging the casting before they’ve even seen what David Jonsson can bring to the role.
Black Panther has always been more than just another superhero film. It has become a cultural phenomenon and a staple within the Black community. Every release has been an event. Fans have shown up in full attendance, many dressed in traditional African attire, proudly performing the iconic Wakanda Forever salute and celebrating a film that represented Black excellence, culture, leadership, and representation on one of Hollywood’s biggest stages.
Much of that impact includes the late Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away in August 2020 after a private four-year battle with colon cancer. Boseman didn’t simply play King T’Challa. He embodied the leadership, intelligence, humility, strength, and dignity that made Wakanda so inspiring. His performance became one of the greatest portrayals in superhero history, leaving many of us wondering what would become of the franchise after his untimely passing.
When Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was released in November 2022, it wasn’t simply another Marvel movie. It was an emotional farewell to Boseman. The film gave audiences an opportunity to grieve while also introducing us to Prince T’Challa II, the young son of T’Challa and Nakia. Rather than recasting Boseman’s character, Marvel chose to continue his legacy through the next generation.
Now, with Jonsson stepping into the role of the adult Prince T’Challa II, the conversation has started all over again. Jonsson is well known for his performances in Industry, Rye Lane, The Long Walk and Alien: Romulus. Personally, I first became familiar with him through Alien: Romulus, where he played Andy, a synthetic android. Despite portraying a non-human character, he delivered one of the film’s strongest performances. He conveyed vulnerability, emotion, courage, loyalty, and humor in a way that connected with audiences. Watching him, you almost forgot he was playing an android. That’s the mark of a truly gifted actor.
One thing we should give Oscar-winning director Ryan Coogler his flowers for is his incredible eye for talent. He doesn’t simply cast actors based on popularity or who social media thinks should get the role. He looks for performers who can fully embody a character and leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Just look at his work with Michael B. Jordan. Through films like Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther, Coogler helped create the space for the world to witness Jordan’s remarkable range as an actor. Today, Michael B. Jordan is recognized as one of the defining actors of his generation, not simply because of his looks or celebrity status, but because of the depth and consistency of his performances. That speaks volumes about Coogler’s ability to recognize talent before the rest of us do.
That’s exactly why I believe Jonsson deserves the same opportunity. Coogler has built a reputation for identifying exceptional talent and allowing actors to flourish. If he believes Jonsson is the right person to carry Prince T’Challa II forward, that’s a decision worth respecting.
Many people are approaching this casting as though Jonsson is replacing Boseman, but that’s simply not the case. No one can replace Chadwick, and Marvel isn’t asking anyone to. Jonsson is stepping into the role of T’Challa’s son, continuing the King’s legacy rather than attempting to recreate it. That distinction matters.
It’s perfectly okay if you wanted Damson Idris. Many fans did, and that’s a valid opinion. But before we criticize the decision, let’s allow David Jonsson the same opportunity every great actor deserves: the chance to step onto the screen, tell the story, and earn our respect.
Perhaps the most important detail many fans overlook is what Nakia revealed at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She explained that T’Challa knew he was dying and spent his remaining time preparing his son for the day he would no longer be there. That moment changed everything. It made Prince T’Challa II more than a surprise introduction; it established him as the future of the Black Panther legacy, a future his father intentionally prepared him for.
Jonsson isn’t stepping into Chadwick Boseman’s shoes. He’s stepping into the next chapter of the story that T’Challa himself set in motion. If Marvel has chosen to honor the King’s legacy through his son, then perhaps the best thing fans can do is give the actor the chance to show us why Ryan Coogler believes he’s the right person to carry that legacy forward.
photo credit: Getty, X
