Dhaka, March 29 -- Ryan Coogler, director of the 'Black Panther' films, has expressed strong interest in working with Hollywood legend Denzel Washington on the highly anticipated third instalment of the Marvel franchise.

Speaking on the Nightcap podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, Coogler confirmed he is eager to cast Washington in the upcoming sequel, Variety reports.

"I've been wanting to work with Denzel for a long time," Coogler shared. "I fully intend to make it happen. As long as he's interested, it's going to happen. He's an icon and a mentor to so many of us."

When asked about the timeline for Black Panther 3, Coogler assured fans it would not be too far off, saying, "Not long."

Washington had previously ...