IndieWire
After reports that Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o might be involved in the “Black Panther” movie, the “Creed” actor has confirmed he will join the cast with the “Eclipsed“ star.
Atlanta Black Star previously reported Nyong’o was in talks to join the 2018 superhero flick and that Jordan signed on to do the film, but the star himself did not verify his involvement until now. There is still no word on what characters the actors will play.
Jordan spoke with The Hollywood Reporter June 7 and revealed he was “super excited” to begin work on the Marvel movie “especially to put a different spin on it.”
“I’m looking forward to working with Ryan [Coogler] once again. It’s gonna be a good time,” he added. Jordan previously worked with Coogler on 2013’s Fruitvale Station and 2015’s Creed.
When asked who he couldn’t wait to work with, Jordan named Nyong’o and Chadwick Boseman.
It was long determined that Boseman was attached to the project, and excitement began over his portrayal of the title character after the Captain America: Civil War trailer debuted in November 2015. As more actors revealed their involvement in the film this year, excitement grew online and the hashtag #BlackPanterSoLIT sprung up on Twitter.
#BlackPantherSoLIT I gotta wear one of my good suits pic.twitter.com/HtAeM0vjus
— Vann R. Newkirk II (@fivefifths) May 14, 2016
The casting news reflects the growing opportunities for Black actors in Hollywood. As woke stars acknowledge the white-centric standards in Tinseltown, they also have become vocal about controversial ideas. Last October, ahead of learning who would direct Black Panther, Anthony Mackie – who plays The Falcon in Civil War – said it did not matter if a Black filmmaker had the position.
“I don’t think it’s important at all,” he said. “As a director your job is to tell a story. You know, they didn’t get a horse to direct Seabiscuit! The thing is I don’t think the race of the director has to do with their ability to tell a story. I think it’s all about the director’s ability to be able to relate to that story and do it justice.”
