20 Actors Best Suited to Play Marvel's Black Panther

Rumors that Marvel Studios is moving forward with a Black Panther movie are still running rampant around the Web. Despite the studio’s denial that a project about the African prince is in the works, many feel that a film about one of Marvel’s Black superheroes is well overdue. For those who don’t follow the comics, Black Panther is an Oxford University-educated African prince named T’Challa. He is the son of T’Chaka, the chief of the Panther Tribe in the fictional African nation of Wakanda. When T’Chaka is killed by the villain Ulysses Klaw, T’Challa is crowned king of Wakanda and becomes Black Panther. He then uses his superior intellect and superhuman strength and agility to fight against evil. Sometimes T’Challa teams up with the Fantastic Four or the Avengers to save the world. The T’Challa character would be a major feat for any Black actor, potentially becoming the breakout role for many of them who are enjoying D-list careers. Here's a short list of actors who could be given strong consideration for the Black Panther role. Idris Elba, Jamie Foxx, Samuel Jackson, Anthony Mackie and Edi Gathegi have all played prominent roles in Marvel films already, so they were not included. Denzel Washington Denzel Washington would bring unmatched star power to the role. His ability has already been demonstrated and Marvel would surely want an actor of this caliber to play the Black Panther. But Washington has one strike against him -- he's 59 years old. The veteran actor would be a perfect fit for T'Chaka though. Djimon Hounsou Djimon Hounsou played Korath in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, but he is an exception on this list because he was also featured as the Black Panther in the 2011 animated television series on BET. Despite pushing 50, the "Amistad" actor would still be a safe bet because many viewers would find him believable as the African prince T'Challa. Marvel would be crazy not to cast him. Will Smith Right off the bat, Will Smith would be the best thing that happened to the Black Panther movie. If Marvel Comics is able to sign the paycheck needed to bring him to the table, the movie could be something special. With his massive crossover appeal, Smith would be able to raise the character to the heights of any other Marvel hero. And let's not forget that he has superhero experience in the 2008 film, Hancock. However, Marvel doesn't seem to have a habit of dishing out major cash on big names to draw in viewers. And judging by the success of The Avengers and other Marvel movies -- they don't have to. Derek Luke Derek Luke has consistently performed well in his previous roles. However, none of his roles, which include Antwone Fisher, Glory Road, Biker Boyz, Notorious, Miracle at St. Anna, and Friday Night Lights, has propelled the 38-year-old actor to the top tier. Playing the Black Panther would be a good opportunity for Luke to raise his career to another level. But one problem is that he played the role of Gabe Jones in Captain America. It would be awkward to recast him as another Marvel character even though it was a minor part. Morris Chestnut Morris Chestnut definitely looks like he would play a believable Black Panther. The actor is best known for his roles as teenage father Ricky Baker in the 1991 film Boyz N the Hood, and as groom-to-be Lance Sullivan in the 1999 movie The Best Man. Although the actor's specialty is moderately budgeted romantic comedies, he does have a few action credits under his belt. He is 43 years old, but still looks as though he's in his 20s. Chestnut also has a sizable fan base that he could bring to the table. Michael Kenneth Williams Known for his television bad boy roles in The Wire and Boardwalk Empire, Michael Kenneth Williams could easily be considered an action hero. If it wasn't for his characteristic facial scar, he would have a good chance of landing the Black Panther role. Terry Crews Terry Crews is famous for his intimidating muscular physique. His appearance makes him ideal for the role. The athletic actor also has a knack for comedy, which is an asset in the Marvel universe. On the other hand, Crews' lack of demonstrated acting flexibility may be the only weakness that stands in his way. Peter Mensah With African roots, a background in engineering and martial arts, Peter Mensah could bring a treasure trove of life experience to the role of T'Challa. Mensah is almost overqualified for the role considering the several blockbuster action movies under his belt, including Avatar and 300, and his run on the Spartacus TV series. Unfortunately, he was already cast as General Joe Greller in The Hulk (2008). But very few people may recall this hardly memorable role. Common Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, has built an impressive acting career on the big screen. The rapper-turned-actor has played in a number of blockbusters including Smoking Aces, American Gangster and Terminator Salvation. With those credits under his belt, Common can make a good case for locking down a role in a film as potentially big as Black Panther. But at 42, his age may be a negative factor. David Oyelowo David Oyelowo is a London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) graduate, who can hold his own with any of the previous Marvel heroes already cast. After commanding roles in Red Tails, Jack Reacher, The Paperboy and director Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, Oyelowo is on the verge of building the mass appeal necessary to shine as the Black Panther. He would be even more convincing if he beefed up a little bit. Michael Ealy Michael Ealy has mass appeal, especially with women. There is no question that the Underworld: Awakening star has what it takes to play a superhero; he excels as an actor on the big and little screen, and he has the star power to attract a large number of viewers to the franchise. However, his dazzling looks might not be the right fit for the character T'Challa. Although the African prince was described in the comics as being very handsome, he was portrayed with darker skin than Ealy's. Michael Jai White Having starred as Al Simmons, the protagonist in the 1997 film Spawn, Michael Jai White already knows what it would be like to play an iconic character like the Black Panther. His powerful build and martial arts skills are also attractive assets. If the actor wasn't 44 years old, Marvel should give him a strong look for the T'Challa part. Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje After becoming famous for his television role as Simon Adebisi in Oz, no one can doubt that Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje knows how to play a tough guy. The 44-year-old African-British actor may be too old for the role of Black Panther, but his reputation attracts a large fan base. In addition, his reasonable price tag and skill with African accents may outweigh the age factor. Michael B. Jordan Michael B. Jordan would not be a bad choice for playing the African prince, especially if Marvel opts for a younger Black Panther. The 25-year-old actor is poised for a breakout role. He has showcased his talents on the small screen, including in hit shows like House, The Wire, Friday Night Lights and Parenthood. His big screen credits aren't shabby either. Jordan had brilliant performances in Red Tails and Chronicle. So maybe it's his time to play that special role. Aldis Hodge Aldis Hodge recently announced that he wants the Black Panther role. The 25-year-old actor currently plays Alec Hardison on TNT network's Leverage. His character on Leverage is a tech whiz, which should prepare him to portray the superior intellect of T'Challa. But with a skimpy acting record does he have what it takes to tackle the role? Chadwick Boseman While he has only a few acting credits under his belt -- ABC Family's Lincoln Heights, NBC's Persons Unknown, and the sports biopic The Express, Boseman did something right to land the role of iconic baseball star Jackie Robinson in 42. Playing a superhero in a Marvel film could boost his acting career even more. Omari Hardwick Omari Hardwick is 38, but he possesses a superhero physique that would make him a believably intimidating Black Panther. However, it remains to be seen if Marvel would be impressed by his list of movie credits. Although he played supporting roles in major films like Salim Akil's Sparkle, Spike Lee's Miracle at St. Anna, Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls, and The A-Team, Hardwick has yet to present a breakout performance that would make him a big draw for a Marvel movie. Nate Parker Nate Parker was one of the standouts in the film Red Tails. His leadership personality, acting ability and rock-solid physique would be assets to the Black Panther role. It remains to be seen how skilled Parker can be creating an African accent, but if it is decent, he should be at the top of Marvel's list. Damon Wayans Jr. With a family of successful comedians, it's evident comedy is in Damon Wayans Jr.'s DNA. However his run on ABC's water cooler comedy Happy Endings, is his only experience as lead, so it's uncertain whether Wayans has the acting chops to pull off the role as Wakanda's young superhero. Mehcad Brooks Mehcad Brooks has the build of a superhero, and although he has sharpened his acting skills with Desperate Housewives, The Game and Necessary Roughness, he has never played in a lead role in a major film. Marvel would be taking a big risk allowing him to take on the role of Prince T'Challa.

Related Stories

‘French Are the Worst Enemies of the African Continent’: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Fans React After French Politician Slams Movie for Storyline That Depicts Its Troops Looting In Africa

‘Black Panther’ Reign Won’t Let Up, Helps Boost ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

Too Black? Chinese Moviegoers’ Racist Reactions to ‘Black Panther’ May Have Been Misunderstood