Marvel Comics recently dropped a fresh storyline in their new comic Marvel Knights: The World to Come, and honestly, it’s got people scratching their heads. In this new comic, there’s a character named Ketema — he’s being introduced as the new Black Panther. And yeah, here’s the twist: he’s white. Not kidding. They’re saying he’s the son of T’Challa, but they haven’t explained much about who his mom is or how he fits into the bigger picture. It’s all very vague right now.
And as you’d expect, fans online are kinda divided. Some are curious and want to see where Marvel takes this. But others are like, “Why change something that’s been such an important symbol of Black culture for years?” It’s one of those moments where you’re not sure if Marvel is being bold… or just stirring the pot.
That Old Ryan Gosling Meme Is Back — And People Are Running With It
Here’s where it gets funnier — or maybe just weirder. Remember that old joke people used to make about Ryan Gosling playing Black Panther? It started as a silly meme a while ago, basically poking fun at Hollywood casting choices. Now that Marvel’s actually shown a white Black Panther in their comic, people are dragging that meme back out. And it’s kind of everywhere again.
Some folks are even sharing fan art showing Gosling in the Black Panther suit. It’s gone super viral. But let’s be clear — Ryan Gosling hasn’t been cast in anything related to Black Panther. It’s all just internet energy right now. No confirmation, no real plans, just fans having fun with a strange coincidence. Still, you never know with Marvel these days, right?
Just So You Know — Gosling Is Busy With Something Else Anyway
If you’re wondering what Ryan Gosling is actually doing next, he’s already lined up for a Star Wars movie called Starfighter. That’s the real thing. It’s being directed by Shawn Levy (the guy behind Deadpool & Wolverine), and it’s supposed to hit theaters in 2027.
The movie takes place about five years after The Rise of Skywalker, and Gosling’s leading the story. So yeah, he’s still busy doing huge stuff — just not with Marvel (at least not yet).
So, to sum it up:
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Marvel introduced a white Black Panther in a new comic.
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Fans immediately thought of the old Ryan Gosling meme.
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Gosling hasn’t been cast in anything Marvel-related.
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He’s doing a Star Wars movie instead.
Whether this twist in the comic means anything big for the future of the Marvel movies? No one really knows yet. But the internet sure is having a good time guessing.
Marvel Introduces a White Black Panther… Wait, What?
In the latest Marvel Knights: The World To Come comic, Marvel introduced a character named Ketema who’s taking on the mantle of Black Panther. But the thing that’s got everyone talking? Ketema’s skin is white. Yeah, Marvel went there. They also said he’s the son of T’Challa, but honestly, they didn’t give much detail on how that works. Like, who's his mother? Was this part of a different timeline?
And look, it’s not like Marvel hasn’t done alternate storylines before — they do that all the time. But Black Panther has always stood for something really specific — culture, heritage, identity — and changing that has definitely made fans stop and say, “Wait a sec, what’s going on here?”
Some fans are cool with it, thinking it’s just one version of a story. But a lot of people are worried Marvel’s messing with something that really matters.
What if Ryan Gosling is coming into Marvel to play the Black Panther after all?
— meme bastard 🍕 (@mask_bastard) June 4, 2025
In a new comic, the all new Black Panther is white dude. pic.twitter.com/SWBiO1hSl2
