There were plenty of surprises at Marvel Studios' recent press release which highlighted its Phase 3 lineup of superhero films featuring "Captain Marvel," "Black Panther," and "Inhumans."

Black Panther, the first ever black superhero to star in a mainstream comic book franchise, will be played by no other than actor Chadwick Boseman.

In the event held at El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles, California last Tuesday, Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans greeted Boseman into the fray of Marvel's Cinematic universe, USA Today reported.

Downey, who plays the lead character in the "Iron Man" movie franchise, told Boseman to get used to the heap of applause from the crowd, to which Boseman replied: "I'm blessed to be a part of this Marvel Universe, to work with you both, and to make magic together," reported USA Today.

Black Panther, also known as T'Challa, first appeared in a 1966 Marvel comic and was created by renowned comic book writer-editor Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The superhero, who possesses superhuman speed and agility along with super developed senses, is the leader of the African nation Wakanda in the comic books.

According to an additional report from The Telegraph, "The character is also a fiercely intelligent scientist and technology genius, with a PhD in Physics from Oxford University."

Black Panther fought alongside famous characters in the Marvel comic book universe, including the "Fantastic Four" superheroes and "The Avengers". The "Black Panther" film is slated to be released in theaters on November 3, 2017 and the character will be introduced in the upcoming 2016 film "Captain America 3: Civil War," according to The Telegraph report.

USA Today reported that aside from "Black Panther," other Marvel movies slated for release until 2019 are:

"Doctor Strange" on November 4, 2016

No official casting was confirmed yet, but rumors about British actor Benedict Cumberbatch playing as the Sorcerer Supreme surfaced recently.

"Guardians of the Galaxy 2" on May 5, 2017

So far, only director James Gunn and actor Chris Pratt are confirmed to return for the movie, noted USA Today.

"Captain Marvel" on July 6, 2018

Marvel movie mastermind Kevin Feige said that this first ever film from the studio to be headlined by a woman will star Carol Danvers, according to a report from io9.

"Thor 3: Ragnarok" on July 28, 2017

For the third installment of "Thor," Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston will reprise their roles as thunder god Thor and his evil brother Loki, respectively.

"Inhumans" on November 2, 2018

This film will introduce a story that "revolves around an ancient race of superpowered beings that are hidden away from human civilization," USA Today reported.

"Avengers III: Infinity War"

This third installment of "The Avengers" will be divided into two parts, the first one to be released on May 2018 and part two on May 2019. According to USA Today, the superheroes will go against cosmic villain Thanos, who was introduced in the end credits of the first "The Avengers" film.