Folks, you may wanna sit down for this. Marvel’sBlack Panthergot off to a terrifically strong start by setting directorRyan Coogler—fresh off the terrific one-two punch ofFruitvale Stationand theRockysequelCreed—to take the helm. Then the project got a massive boost whenChadwick Boseman’s turn as the titular character turned out to be one of the best parts of Marvel’sCaptain America: Civil War, making usevenmoreexcited to see his standalone film. And then Marvel took things to the next level as Oscar-winnerLupita Nyong’oentered talks to join the cast just yesterday. But that’s not all! Now things have gone nuclear, as Coogler will be reteaming hisCreedstarMichael B. Jordanfor the Marvel pic.
PerTHR, Jordan has inked a deal to join the cast ofBlack Panther, and while character details are under wraps, the report notes that he could be playing the movie’s villain. Honestly, this is almost too much great for one movie. Coogler, Boseman, Nyong’o, and now Jordan? Even if casting stopped there and it were just these three actors in a room directed by Coogler, this would be a must-see.
Jordan of course has been turning in stellar work since breaking out onThe Wireand moving on to teenage roles in shows likeFriday Night LightsandParenthood. He proved he could carry a film all his own withFruitvale Station, and while he made his superhero debut as Johnny Storm in Fox’sFantastic Four, a tumultuous production and messy end result led to that superhero reboot failing to gain traction with critics or audiences.
Jordan came out ofFantastic Fourunscathed, however, as the performer’s turn as Storm was solid even if the material was lacking, and he’s poised to reprise his lead role inaCreedsequelfor MGM and Warner Bros. and is set to lead a remake ofThe Thomas Crown Affairthat now hasCivil WardirectorsJoeandAnthony Russoonboard as producers. And now, coming off one of his best performances yet inCreed, he’s joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe at Coogler’s side.
I mean,Thor: Ragnarokwas off to a swell start with the prospect ofChris Hemsworth,Mark Ruffalo, andCate Blanchettall in the same movie, andDoctor Strangecertainly has serious clout viaBenedict Cumberbatch,Chiwetel Ejiofor,Rachel McAdams, andTilda Swinton, but with the casting of Jordan, I’m pretty sureBlack Panthernow has the best cast of any Marvel movie yet. The film’s July 03, 2025 release date cannot get here soon enough.
