BlackGeekdom Science-Fiction from a Different Perspective

It wasn’t long ago that there was talk of a movie about the Black Panther. Wesley Snipes’ production company had picked up the rights and wanted to star in the movie. But being so identified now with being Blade, I think that he can’t be T’Challa now. You can read about that saga here. Let’s just say for a moment Avi Arad has hired you as casting director. Don’t worry about what the story might be; however, it’s safe to assume that it may fall into an origin story since Marvel launches its franchises with origin stories. So, Danny Glover or Louis Gosset, Jr. are absolutely out of the question. Well, who do I think should be The Black Panther? I don’t know but let’s look at some potentials ; (in no particular order, of course):

1. Michael Jai White. I know he was Spawn 1997, but that doesn’t outright disqualify him. He did a good job, and there wasn’t a sequel and it was so long ago that we can look at him and not be thinking about Spawn. Plus, he was in makeup for most of that movie. He’s got the physical skills with the martial arts background, and he has enough acting jobs on his resume to qualify as at least a half-way decent actor. He’s also the right height.

2. Richard T. Jones. Not known for being a blockbuster draw, but has shown that he can carry a movie (G, 2002). I believe he too has the acting skills to pull it off. As for the physicality of the role, at least you can use a stuntman since the Black Panther wears a full mask. He’s almost the opposite of what you get with Michael Jai White. White brings action to the role, but Jones could probably bring more depth, especially since the movie would have more exposition than action.

3. Will Smith. As a crowd favorite and most widely known of the actors listed here, he would undoubtedly be a big draw. He has been proven on both the pure action movies and has shown that he is a talented actor. However, I don’t think the role would be right for him. Studio heads would definitely get behind him in this movie. It isn’t that he wouldn’t do a good job; it’s just that, as I envision it, the role doesn’t fit as something that he would do. T’Challa’s not known for having quick witted retorts, and that is a Will Smith trademark. It’s what we come to expect from him.

4. Sterling K. Brown. “Who is he?” you might ask. He’s a very good actor who’s part of the cast of “Army Wives.” A relative unknown actor may be exactly what a movie like Black Panther might need. For some reason, I think he would be a good choice.

5. Taye Diggs. He has a good resume. He pulled of a stunt filled action role in Equilibrium. He has had fairly good success in leading roles. He also showed a lot of different sides in Day Break, which was probably the second best cancelled series after Jericho. I like his versatility.

6. Morris Chestnut. He’s like Taye Diggs; he has the versatility, but may not have the same range. He has the right look, but can he carry a feature film?

There you have it. Those are the contenders. I have a couple of favorites, and there are a couple who realistically could work. Who would you cast?

Posted under Movies