Marvel Denies Ryan Gosling Black Panther Casting Amid Animated Wakanda Debut

Marvel Studios is set to debut the animated anthology series Eyes of Wakanda on Disney+ in August 2025, which will feature different Wakandan warriors across historical periods and may introduce a new Black Panther known as "The Intruder," though this remains unconfirmed. The series' first episode, screened at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, focuses on Noni, a disgraced Dora Milaje pursuing a pirate named Lion, with nods to Ryan Coogler’s original Black Panther film and a surprising take on Iron Fist. Meanwhile, rumors that Ryan Gosling would become the next Black Panther have been widely debunked, with insiders confirming he is not cast in that role; instead, Gosling is set to appear in the Star Wars franchise and is rumored to be considered for the MCU role of Ghost Rider in Phase 6's Avengers: Doomsday. The speculation about Gosling as Black Panther partly arose from a new Marvel comic featuring a white character claiming to be T’Challa’s son, resembling Gosling, but the only confirmed Black Panther casting for the next film is Denzel Washington. Fans remain divided on the idea of a white Black Panther, and Marvel has yet to make any official announcements regarding Gosling's involvement in the franchise. Letitia Wright, who succeeded Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther in the MCU, is confirmed to reprise her role in upcoming projects.