A captivating concept trailer for Marvel Studios’ Black Panther 3 envisions Will Smith stepping into the role of the new Black Panther, fulfilling his long-held dream of portraying a Black superhero. The iconic character of T’Challa, first brought to life by the late Chadwick Boseman in Captain America: Civil War (2016), captured hearts with his solo adventure in Black Panther (2018). Tragically, Boseman passed away in 2020, leaving a legacy that has since been carried forward by Letitia Wright’s Shuri. However, it remains unclear whether Shuri will continue as the Black Panther in the MCU’s future.
Marvel Studios has yet to confirm the development of Black Panther 3, but the concept trailer, created by KH Studio, imagines Will Smith taking on the mantle of Black Panther, protecting Wakanda in Shuri’s unexplained absence. This concept aligns with Smith’s previously expressed desire to portray a Black superhero, and Black Panther could be the perfect fit. With over $9.5 billion in box office earnings, Smith is one of Hollywood’s most successful actors, though his career has faced challenges since the controversial 2022 Oscars incident. Marvel Studios has a history of working with stars who have faced public scrutiny, most notably Robert Downey Jr., which makes Smith’s potential inclusion in the MCU seem like a logical step.
In a 2021 interview with GQ, Smith shared that he had always aspired to play a Black superhero, making Black Panther a fitting opportunity for him. His desire to join the superhero genre is not new. In 2016, Smith portrayed the villain-turned-antihero Deadshot in DC’s Suicide Squad. Though he didn’t return for the sequel due to scheduling conflicts, the idea of a heroic role in the MCU could offer Smith a chance to fulfill his superhero dreams and restore his public image.
Will Smith’s History in Superhero Films
Will Smith’s superhero career began with his portrayal of Deadshot in Suicide Squad (2016), but scheduling conflicts kept him from returning in The Suicide Squad (2021), with Idris Elba stepping into the role. Producer Peter Safran explained that Smith’s absence was due to timing issues, as the production needed to start earlier than expected. Despite this, Smith expressed his enthusiasm for playing Deadshot again in a solo spin-off, though plans for that project never materialized as DC shifted focus.
Smith also starred in the 2008 superhero film Hancock, where he portrayed a flawed and tortured hero. Initially planned as a darker film, Hancock was ultimately crafted to suit Smith’s star power. While there was talk of a sequel, including interest from both Smith and co-star Charlize Theron, no follow-up has materialized. The MCU could offer Smith a fresh opportunity to reinvigorate his superhero career, adding another comic book role to his impressive list of credits, which also includes the Men in Black series—based on a comic now owned by Marvel.
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