Michael B. Jordan
“Where Wallace, String?”
-D’Angelo Barksdale
Michael B. Jordan made his bones playing Wallace, the young, sensitive drug dealer during the first season of the HBO drama, The Wire. With his enduring role as Wallace serving as a blueprint, Jordan laid a solid foundation for his career with impressive turns on acclaimed shows such as Parenthood and Friday Night Lights.
Jordan continued to build on his great career choices with his first lead role as Oscar Grant in the fact-based, critically-acclaimed Fruitvale Station and showcased his comedy skills in the rom-com, That Awkward Moment alongside Zac Efron. Now, he stands on the cusp of true stardom.
In August, Jordan will star as the Human Torch in The Fantastic Four reboot, and this fall he will take on the lead role in the Rocky spinoff, Creed, which will pair him once again with Fruitvale Station director, Ryan Coogler.
With his impressive resume, the 28 year-old has earned a devoted following of fans who have watched him grow from a boy into a man. This investment and attachment works in his favor. Aside from developing the fundamental dramatic chops needed to carry a film, he has innate charisma that cannot be taught or honed.
In a world where instant gratification is the norm, process is not appreciated, and in Jordan’s case, it’s great to see the making of a superstar as he rises into rarefied air. He already has his choice of roles, but if he continues at the same pace over the next few years, the entire industry will be his sandbox.
Jordan is becoming one of the few actors who can choose his destiny. He has all the tools and his versatility grants him the ability to go in a number of different directions—it’ll be interesting to see what roles he takes on and what characters he brings to life in the future.
Though Elba is the best known alumnus of The Wire right now, Michael B. Jordan is fast on his heels. Wallace is moving on up.
