Ryan Coogler Explains Why ‘Black Panther 3’ Was Postponed

One of Hollywood’s hottest franchises has been put on pause. Ryan Coogler has explained why Black Panther 3 has been postponed.

Recently, the filmmaker spoke to Deadline in an exclusive interview. While he discussed a variety of topics related to his storied career, it was his explanation as to why Black Panther 3 was delayed that quickly went viral. When asked about it, he made it clear that he prioritized his newest project, Sinners, and the reasoning is deeper than just another blockbuster hit.

“It is interesting for you to ask where [Sinners] came from, and timing it before Black Panther 3,” he said. “It was my realization that I had been on this path of what I could make and what I wanted to make. And realizing they had all been in the service of stories that were outside of myself.”

Ryan Coogler went on to explain his decision further regarding another film he was engulfed in.

“But I still haven’t brought something that was just me. And how funny is it that when I say, ‘Hey, I’m making a horror movie,’ and people are surprised. But if you know me, I love those movies,” he added. “If I had to reckon with the fact that the audience doesn’t truly know me. And I got scared that I would look up and be 50 and would still be in that situation. And by then, I might not have anything to say. So the movie was made because I had to make it right now. And with the people that I wanted to make it with, it had to happen now. Or if not, it wouldn’t. I feared that. And that was why now.”

Coogler also confirmed that Denzel Washington will have a role in Black Panther 3.

“I’ve been dying to work with Denzel, and I’m hoping we can make that happen,” he stated. “I got every intention of working with him in that movie. As long as he’s interested, it’s [going to] happen. He’s a living legend and a great mentor for so many of us.”

You can see the trailer for Sinners below.