David Jonsson as the new 'Black Panther,' Ryan Gosling as 'Ghost Rider,' Katy Perry slams the White House

David Jonsson is the new ‘Black Panther’

Marvel Studios has officially found its next Black Panther, announcing at San Diego Comic-Con that British actor David Jonsson will inherit the mantle in Black Panther III.

The reveal came during Marvel's Hall H presentation, where franchise director Ryan Coogler introduced Jonsson alongside returning stars Letitia Wright and Winston Duke. Visibly emotional, the 32-year-old actor thanked the cast and creative team after being welcomed to the blockbuster franchise.

"I'm honored to join this family," Jonsson told the crowd, adding that he wanted "the screen do the talking" when it comes to his portrayal of the beloved hero.

Marvel confirmed that Jonsson will play the son of T'Challa, the character whose existence was first revealed in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Since Chadwick Boseman's death in 2020, fans have speculated over who would eventually continue the Black Panther legacy, with several actors rumored for the role before Saturday's announcement.

The original Black Panther became a cultural milestone after earning more than $1.3 billion worldwide and making history as the first superhero film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Its 2022 sequel also proved a global success, grossing approximately $850 million.

Black Panther III is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Dec. 15, 2028, ushering in a new chapter for one of Marvel's most celebrated franchises.

Ryan Gosling joins MCU as ‘Ghost Rider’

Ryan Gosling is officially heading to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Marvel Studios confirming that the Oscar-nominated actor will portray Ghost Rider in a new standalone film directed by Shawn Levy.

The announcement was made during Marvel's Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, where Gosling joined Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Levy onstage to celebrate the long-awaited debut of the iconic antihero in the MCU.

Levy, who previously directed Gosling in the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, reflected on returning to Comic-Con after the success of Deadpool & Wolverine. "I'm having the greatest flashback vibes being here," he told the audience, recalling his memorable Hall H appearance two years ago and praising Marvel's passionate fanbase.

Gosling revealed that stepping into the role is something he has hoped to do for years, making the casting a personal milestone for the actor.

The announcement also carries a unique Hollywood connection. Gosling's longtime partner, Eva Mendes, starred opposite Nicolas Cage in the original 2007 Ghost Rider film, which was released before the Marvel Cinematic Universe officially began with Iron Man in 2008. Although a sequel followed in 2012, the character has never appeared in the MCU–until now.

Marvel has slated Ghost Rider for a 2028 theatrical release.

Katy Perry calls out the White House for using her song in military propaganda

Katy Perry has spoken out after the White House used her hit song “Firework” in a social media video featuring footage of military strikes, saying the track was used without her permission and in a way that contradicts its intended message.

The controversy began when the White House's official TikTok account posted a montage of missile strikes accompanied by Perry's 2010 anthem. As explosions appeared on screen, the song's "boom, boom, boom" lyric played in the background. The post was captioned, "Iran has been warned."

Days later, Perry addressed the video in a statement shared on X, expressing her frustration over the use of the song.

"I am deeply appalled and angry to see 'Firework' used on the @WhiteHouse TikTok account as a backing track for video footage of military strikes," she wrote. "I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it."

The Grammy-nominated singer emphasized that the song was created to inspire resilience and hope, not to accompany scenes of conflict.

"I wrote this song to be an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people going through their darkest personal moments," Perry said. "My music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare."

Azzi Fudd challenges Steph Curry to a rematch

Fresh off making WNBA history, Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd has her sights set on an even bigger challenge: a long-awaited rematch with NBA superstar Steph Curry.

After becoming the first rookie ever to win the WNBA 3-Point Contest, Fudd used her post-event press conference to publicly invite Curry to settle unfinished business from years ago.

“Steph, if you’re listening, I’ve been asking for a rematch since high school,” Fudd said. “So maybe this is our time to figure out a time and a place.”

The challenge stems from 2018, when Fudd competed against Curry at his SC30 Select Camp for the nation's top high school basketball prospects and came up short.

Fudd earned the 2026 title with a dazzling shooting display. She posted 24 points in the opening round, sinking four of her final five shots to advance to the championship round. There, she faced Portland Fire sharpshooter Bridget Carlton, who had led qualifying with 29 points.

While Carlton managed 19 points in the final, Fudd caught fire, finishing with 30 points to secure the championship. The total ties the second-highest score ever recorded in the WNBA 3-Point Contest, matching marks set by Sabrina Ionescu and Allie Quigley. Only Ionescu's record-setting 37-point performance in 2023 ranks higher.

ICYMI:

• The first trailer for Carrie has officially been released, offering fans their first look at Mike Flanagan’s television adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic horror story. The highly anticipated series is set to premiere on October 7 exclusively on Prime Video, marking Flanagan’s latest collaboration with the streamer.

• The first trailer for Neuromancer has officially been released, giving audiences a first look at the upcoming sci-fi adaptation starring Callum Turner. Based on William Gibson’s groundbreaking novel, the highly anticipated series is set to premiere on January 22, 2027, exclusively on Apple TV+.

— Bea Bertuldo

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