Washington tied to Black Panther 3, Namor to smaller Avengers role

Angela Bassett has offered the clearest public reaction yet to persistent speculation that Denzel Washington may join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the next Black Panther film, while Tenoch Huerta, who plays Namor, has described a markedly reduced but strategically important role for the ocean king in the forthcoming Avengers sequel. Both comments underscore how Marvel is balancing star power, franchise legacy, and an expanding ensemble as it moves into the next phase of its cinematic slate.

Bassett, who received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the Black Panther franchise, declined to confirm Washington's involvement but addressed how she thinks the actor would fit if he appears. Pressed on whether she prefers "good Denzel" or "bad Denzel," she replied, "Yeah! It's just interesting, complicated. And we've seen him be good so long and so often. He's really good at being bad." Washington reportedly mentioned his Marvel debut during a recent press tour, but studio officials and those close to the project have remained tightlipped since that disclosure.

Speculation centers on whether Washington would play a hero or a villain and which antagonists might suit him...