Photo Credit: Getty Images
A new fan-made concept trailer has set Marvel fans abuzz with the idea of Will Smith as the new Black Panther. The video, done by KH Studio, shows Smith taking on the mantle to protect Wakanda in Shuri’s mysterious absence.
Will Smith, a Hollywood icon whose career grosses over $9.5 billion, once said he wanted to play a Black superhero. He told GQ in 2021, “I wanted to be a superhero. So I wanted to depict Black excellence alongside my white counterparts. I wanted to play roles that would be given to Tom Cruise.”
Other notable forays into the superhero genre from Smith are in “Hancock” in 2008 as an antihero and DC’s “Suicide Squad” in 2016, playing the character of skilled assassin Deadshot. He would make a massive career comeback by probably joining MCU, as well as try to recover his public image after what happened during the 2022 Academy Awards. It’s something that Marvel Studios has managed to pull off more than once; just look at Robert Downey Jr.’s career as Iron Man.
While “Black Panther 3” has not been announced, the concept trailer is creating a lot of buzz and speculation. The idea of Smith donning the mantle of Black Panther has been met with excitement as fans look toward how he could add to the legacy of Wakanda.
Let’s be clear from the outset: this is only a fan-made trailer, and there has been no confirmation from Marvel Studios regarding Smith’s involvement in any upcoming projects. But the excitement over this concept is a testament to the lasting impact of the Black Panther franchise and the audience’s interest in its future direction.
As the MCU expands, the potential for new storylines and characters will continue to be a point of interest. Whether or not Will Smith becomes part of this universe, the discussions brought on by the concept trailer further highlight the dynamic relationship between fan creativity and mainstream media.
