Damson Idris rumored to play Black Panther variant in Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel yet to confirm

As of January 2026, British actor Damson Idris is widely rumored, but not officially confirmed by Marvel Studios, to portray a version of Black Panther in Avengers: Doomsday.

Industry insider reports have fueled speculation that Idris could be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a significant Wakandan role. However, all official trailers, promotional material, and cast listings released so far continue to position Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, as the primary Black Panther in the upcoming Avengers event film.

Current status of the rumours

According to multiple reports, Idris may be linked to one of two potential roles: a multiverse variant of T’Challa or an adult version of Prince Toussaint, T’Challa’s son introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Both possibilities reportedly involve either a time jump or a multiversal storyline, aligning with Avengers: Doomsday’s large-scale narrative scope.

Speculation intensified after alleged leaked visuals began circulating online. These included concept art from Avengers: Doomsday that reportedly depicts a Black Panther figure bearing Idris’s likeness. While these images remain unverified, they significantly amplified fan discussion across social media.

Idris himself has responded cautiously. During a late 2025 appearance on the Today show, the actor offered a playful “yes and no” when questioned about Marvel discussions. He added that if the opportunity were formally presented, his answer would be an unequivocal yes.

Further fueling speculation was Idris’s appearance at a Vogue World event in October 2025, where he participated in a Wakanda-themed segment alongside Angela Bassett, who portrayed Queen Ramonda. Fans quickly interpreted the pairing as a possible “soft launch” for his involvement, though no official confirmation followed.

Black Panther’s role in Avengers: Doomsday

A fourth teaser trailer for Avengers: Doomsday leaked in early January 2026, confirming the return of several Wakandan characters, including Shuri, M’Baku (Winston Duke), and Namor (Tenoch Huerta). In the footage, Shuri is clearly shown continuing as Black Panther.

At present, Marvel Studios has made no announcement regarding the introduction of an additional Black Panther or any casting involving Damson Idris. Until then, his potential involvement remains firmly in the realm of high-profile speculation.