I didn’t expect to hear this one today. Michael B Jordan is reportedly coming back to the MCU—but apparently not as Killmonger.
A recent Facebook post is suggesting that Michael (37) will be returning for Avengers: Doomsday, but in a completely different role. Instead of reprising his role as Killmonger, he’s reportedly playing a multiverse variant of Black Panther.
If true, this is pretty huge news.
What’s actually happening?
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According to the rumours, Avengers: Doomsday will introduce a Black Panther variant from the world of the X-Men, played by Michael. I know it sounds wild, but at this point, Marvel’s multiverse plans are getting seriously ambitious.
The big twist? Michael’s Black Panther variant might remain in the MCU beyond Avengers: Secret Wars.
Why not Killmonger?
@Marvel Studios
Michael first appeared as Killmonger in 2018’s Black Panther, a role which quickly made him one of the MCU’s most popular villains. Even though Killmonger died at the end of that film, Michael returned briefly in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever during a scene on the Ancestral Plane.
Given how iconic Killmonger was, it seems strange Marvel wouldn’t just revive the character through the multiverse. But maybe they’re looking to shake things up.
Could Michael B Jordan pull off Black Panther?
Actually, yes. Michael previously admitted that playing T’Challa was his childhood dream.
In Marvel’s Black Panther: The Official Movie Special Book, Michael revealed (via Bleeding Cool) his deep admiration for the character, saying:
I was a big Marvel fan growing up, I read comics and watched cartoons. Black Panther was a hero I always looked up to and dreamed of playing.
He obviously didn’t get that chance initially because Chadwick Boseman brilliantly portrayed T’Challa. But with the multiverse now wide open, it seems Marvel found a clever way to grant Michael his wish without recasting Chadwick’s specific version of the character.
How fans might react
@Marvel Studios
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Not everyone will love this idea straight away. Chadwick’s portrayal of T’Challa is deeply beloved, and many fans were strongly against recasting after his death.
However, introducing a variant of T’Challa from another universe, rather than outright replacing Chadwick, might actually satisfy most fans. Personally, I think it’s a respectful compromise.
Michael’s MCU dreams could fully come true
Michael has been pretty vocal about his MCU dreams. Besides playing T’Challa, he previously mentioned wanting to star alongside Denzel Washington (69) in the MCU.
Interestingly, Denzel himself confirmed that director Ryan Coogler is writing him a role in Black Panther 3. Imagine Michael as a multiverse Black Panther opposite Denzel—Marvel fans would lose it.
Is the MCU ready for another Black Panther?
@Marvel Studios
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Marvel has openly said they wouldn’t recast Chadwick’s specific version of T’Challa, and rightly so. Yet the idea of introducing an alternate-universe T’Challa lets Marvel expand the character’s legacy while honouring Chadwick’s memory.
I think the MCU is more than ready for this kind of respectful innovation.
Will Michael stick around?
According to these rumours, Michael’s Black Panther could remain in the MCU after Secret Wars. That would mean he’s not just popping up as a one-off cameo, but joining the MCU long-term.
This makes sense because Michael is popular, talented, and clearly passionate about Marvel. It’d be a shame if Marvel introduced his variant just to ditch him later.
X-Men’s role in Avengers: Doomsday?
@Marvel Studios
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The variant Michael is supposedly playing is from the land of the X-Men. That’s intriguing because it suggests Marvel might be planning to heavily integrate mutants into the MCU through this film.
Given how long we’ve waited for the X-Men’s proper MCU debut, using Michael’s popularity to bridge this introduction would be a smart move.
Could Michael’s Black Panther meet Shuri?
If Michael’s Black Panther does stick around, I’d be fascinated to see him interact with Letitia Wright’s (30) Shuri. Shuri’s already established herself as Black Panther in Wakanda Forever, and their dynamic could be compelling.
Two different Black Panthers working together could be brilliant—especially if Marvel explores the tension between their worlds.
Why Avengers: Doomsday?
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Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be the biggest MCU event since Endgame. Bringing Michael back as a surprise Black Panther variant definitely ups the excitement factor.
Marvel loves pulling these multiverse surprises, and adding Michael to the already massive cast could draw even more viewers.
When will Marvel confirm?
Typically, Marvel remains silent about casting until they’re ready for a major event or announcement—usually Comic-Con or their own D23 Expo. So far, there’s no official word on Michael’s return.
Still, Marvel’s silence often means something big is brewing behind the scenes.
Honestly, I didn’t see Michael returning to the MCU this way, but now that the idea’s out there, it actually makes perfect sense. Marvel’s multiverse storyline allows them to explore endless possibilities without disrespecting Chadwick Boseman’s legacy.
If this rumour pans out, Avengers: Doomsday just became even more essential viewing. Either way, I’m fully on board with Michael B Jordan returning—especially if he gets to live out his Marvel dream.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released in cinemas in the UK and the United States on May 1st, 2026.
