Chadwick Boseman has been cast as the Black Panther in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther film, slated for release in November 2017.
This marks the first time a black actor will play the solo lead in one of Marvel’s superhero blockbusters, with Boseman set to star as T’Challa, leader of the fictional country of Wakanda.
It was also reported that Boseman’s character would play a major role in the upcoming 2016 film Captain America 3, which has been announced as Captain America: Civil War.
The 37-year-old Boseman is coming off two performances in which he portrayed legends—first appearing as Jackie Robinson in the biopic 42, and later starring as James Brown in Get on Up.
At the Marvel Studios announcement event, Boseman said, “I’m blessed to be a part of this Marvel Universe, to work with you both, and to make magic together.”
A number of other Marvel film titles and release dates were revealed at the event, including Avengers: Infinity War, which the company said would be released in two parts. Sequels to the smash hit films Thor and Guardians of the Galaxy were also announced, with 2017 release dates.
Despite being more than three years away, Black Panther already has a release date penciled in for November 3, 2017.