Damson Idris wasted no time addressing swirling rumors regarding his potential roles as T’Challa in Black Panther 3 and as the next James Bond during the 2026 Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 11.
Speculation surrounding Idris joining the Marvel franchise has been circulating for months. Rumors of a recast for T’Challa first emerged in January 2025 following an InSneider report claiming that Marvel was considering casting a new actor, despite earlier statements saying the role would not be recast after Chadwick Boseman’s death.
Instantly, fans began suggesting the British star's name for the rumored role.
Here’s what Damson Idris had to say about the Black Panther 3 casting rumors.
At the Golden Globes red carpet, Idris addressed the discussion thoughtfully when asked by Variety, confirming that the report was merely “rumors.”
“I am thankful to the fans,” he said. “Of course, it’s rumors, but I love that movie. I love the world. I’m glad that everyone’s seeing the future of that, too. It’s moving in a brilliant direction, and I’m excited for the third one.”
Fans have been debating the future of Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, ever since Boseman’s passing in 2020. Notably, the second film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, honored the actor's legacy and concluded with his sister Shuri, portrayed by Letitia Wright, stepping into a leading role. As the third installment develops, audiences are left wondering if T’Challa could reappear, but the 34-year-old actor made it clear that he is not in the running for the role—or did he?
When asked whether he had any ideas to share with Coogler, even if not cast, Idris chuckled warmly,
“Just make sure it’s amazing, but I know he’ll do that.”
Last year, the Snowfall star had fans on the edge of their seats with his responses to the Black Panther 3 casting rumors. Idris added fuel to the speculation in a playful social media moment last year when he reacted to an X post claiming he had “reportedly turned down the role of Black Panther.” In his now-deleted reply, which was shared by Comicbookmovie.com,
“Yes, sir. I turned down 007, a co-lead film with Daniel Day-Lewis, and an Eddie Murphy biopic, too.”
His playful dodge continued on a June 2025 appearance on Today. When co-anchor Craig Melvin directly asked if Idris had discussed being cast as the next Black Panther, Idris groaned and replied,
“Yes-no!”prompting Melvin to tease:
“By the way, the yes-no means yes.”
Idris countered,
“Uh, it could mean no!”
Melvin shot back, “But it probably means yes. If they asked, would you say yes?”
“Yes,” Idris confirmed with a smile.
Damson Idris side-stepped a question about his rumored casting as James Bond in 007.
Known for thriving under the spotlight, Idris also tackled rumors tying him to the James Bond franchise while walking the red carpet for the 2026 Golden Globes.
“No. It’s definitely not true, it’s just a rumor,”he told Justin Sylvester on LIVE from E!: Golden Globes 2026, while expressing gratitude for the recognition.
“All these roles are superb, and I think it’s a testament to a young artist to be given that compliment.”
He reflected on the lineage of actors fans hope might portray Bond.
“There’s been many artists before me—Idris Elba, my big brother, and many artists today,”Idris added.
“So I think it’s just a testament saying that we’re doing a good job and have people see us.”
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Damson Idris Addresses T’Challa and Bond Rumors at Golden Globes was originally published on globalgrind.com
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