Black Panther: Casting Update

[Advanced Dark]

Black Panther
ReelzChannel reports that Chiwetel Ejiofor (“Serenity”) is John Singleton’s top choice to play “Black Panther” in the film version of the comic series. Singelton is attached to direct both “Panther” and another comic turn film, “Luke Cage”.

http://www.moviehole.net

I still like Snipes even with all his personal issues. Not sure about this because I don't know his work.

Friday, August 10
Chiwetel Ejiofor = Comic Book Hero? Director John Singleton hasn't even started production on his latest project, Tulia, and fanboys everywhere are already asking, "What's next?" Little wonder -- Singleton is attached to direct adaptations of two popular Marvel Comics titles: Luke Cage and The Black Panther. Though he won't say which one he'll do first, Singleton is more than happy to discuss other details, including which actors he'd like to see suit up in the lead roles.

While Tyrese Gibson remains the clear favorite to play Luke Cage (thanks largely to his profile-elevating turn in the blockbuster Transformers), the ideal choice for The Black Panther remains unclear. Up until now, much of the speculation regarding who might play the Panther has centered on multiple Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou -- an obvious choice, given that the character is African and that the Benin-bred Hounsou is the most prominent African actor working in Hollywood today.

In a recent exclusive interview with ReelzChannel.com, Singleton added another name to the list. "Chiwetel Ejiofor could do it," Singleton volunteered, referring to the acclaimed star of Talk to Me and Children of Men. Born in Great Britain to Nigerian parents, Ejiofor has the pedigree as well as the acting chops to handle the Panther role. And anyone who's seen Serenity (all seven of you) knows he can handle action. Just ask the browncoats.

 

[odiin]

http://www.moviehole.net

Well he's no Dijimon Hounsou, but he'll do. Also, his parents were both form Nigeria so he's got that going for him.

 

[chiefchirpa]

I still like Snipes even with all his personal issues. Not sure about this because I don't know his work.

AD, are you still frozen in the 90's?

Rent Serenity and Children of Men from your local Blockbuster. I don't even know this guy before watching Serenity, but instantly identify him as the best Black Panther candidate if there's a movie about Black Panther. Why? He has that cool, smart, regal and finally bad-ass demeanor that instantly reminds me of Black Panther. Also he truly can kick ass with his knowledge of Jiujitsu.

Leading BP Candidates are Chiwetel and Djimon. Snipes is forever known as Blade.

 

[Nepenthes]

Chiwetel was my pick for the role a long time ago. "Cool, smart, regal and finally bad-ass" is right. He played a villain in Four Brothers (i think) check him out he can be scary when he wants.

Snipes is forever known as Blade.

Exactly. It'd be ridiculous to try pass of 'Blade' as the Black Panther. No one would take it seriously.

 

[chiefchirpa]

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0252230/

Mention of Black Panther all over his IMDB board. I guess I'm not alone having a realization that Chiwetel is suited for the role BP. However, it seems his schedule is packed until 2009, unlike Djimon. Well, this might be Djimon's advantage.

 

[Advanced Dark]

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0252230/

Mention of Black Panther all over his IMDB board. I guess I'm not alone having a realization that Chiwetel is suited for the role BP. However, it seems his schedule is packed until 2009, unlike Djimon. Well, this might be Djimon's advantage.

Feige alerady announced only 5 potential films for 2009 and Black Panther was not one of them. My bet is on Nick Fury.

 

[chiefchirpa]

Okay, but I hope one of the potential films for 2009 is Captain America. Now even 2009 Cap is "kinda" in limbo because of Marvel's lack of foresight. I'm wishing for 2 films, and it seems one film now is like pushing it.

 

[Advanced Dark]

The potential for 2009 is/was:

Thor, Cap, Fury, Ant-Man, Avengers.

Thor is in.

Ant-Man doesn't seem to fit in Edgars sched. Avengers too early. Leaving only Cap & Fury. Cap would need to start production damn fast and it's too big of a film. It's too important of a character to rush. Nick Fury can be put together quickly and they have the lead already in Sam Jackson...right? Cap in 2010 is fine by me. I guess Feige could slip in Panther or Luke Cage but he would have said that.

 

[Philly Phanboy]

Why on earth are they giving Singleton two adaptations to handle when he can't even get Luke Cage started?

 

[FVD]

I forgot about Chiwetel. He'd be a great choice for T'Challa. He's a talented actor that's for sure. He was good in Inside Man and Children of Men. He'll be appearing in American Gangster very soon too.

If not Houssou then Ejiofor should do Black Panther justice.

And Tyrese Gibson as Luke Cage. We'll see I suppose.

 

[Casius--J]

Oh i def can see him for black panther I hope this works out cause I really would like to see a black panther film!

 

[Nightwing 52]

We'll see where this goes...Ejiofor is a very talented actor and I enjoyed his role in Serenity. Though Hounsou IMO would be a far greater choice, I really wouldn't mind Ejiofor at all.

 

[Spider-Fan]

Ejiofor is a good choice. I wonder when BP will be due out (since Feige didn't announce it as a 2009 candidate).

Proabably 2010.

I still think Cap is our other 2009 movie, though.

 

[Kirk Langstrom]

http://www.moviehole.net

I still like Snipes even with all his personal issues. Not sure about this because I don't know his work.

Cool! How's his physique? Is he buff? I guess he can train between now and then if he needs to...

 

[KenK]

Cool! How's his physique? Is he buff? I guess he can train between now and then if he needs to...

I'm sure if he took the role, he could get into considerable shape quickly. He just has a relatively slim build. Action-wise, he had a lot of fight scenes in Serenity, so that shouldn't be indimitating for him. If not Honsou, Ejiofor could definitely pull of Black Panther.

 

[Advanced Dark]

Why on earth are they giving Singleton two adaptations to handle when he can't even get Luke Cage started?

He's not holding up Luke Cage Philly. Sony did. Now Marvel has the rights back so it's just a matter of fitting it in on the slate. Whatever film Marvel feels is ready first will be made. 2 Marvel Studio films per year...that's it. So give it time.

 

[drmick]

I'm sure if he took the role, he could get into considerable shape quickly. He just has a relatively slim build. Action-wise, he had a lot of fight scenes in Serenity, so that shouldn't be indimitating for him. If not Honsou, Ejiofor could definitely pull of Black Panther.

Eh?

The guy is a bit on the porky side. Look at his face!

He is a good actor though.

 

[Advanced Dark]

^ That's how he looks. He's not fat. What about that guy from the beginning for Casino Royale who can run up walls.

 

[Hypestyle]

at least there are several "potential" candidates, and the filmmakers are aware of them-- hopefully whenever this gets off the ground, it will keep these actors in mind..

 

[Cosmic]

Ejiofor can pull off Black Panther. He was GREAT in Children on Men - a truly great movie that everyone here should see. I know Hounsou is the fan favorite, but this guy is ten years younger, and an extremely talented actor. I'd be more than satisfied if he got the part.

 

[xstormfan]

good choice although Hounsou would be perfect, however i will not see this film if Snipes gets the part

 

[kedrell]

We'll see where this goes...Ejiofor is a very talented actor and I enjoyed his role in Serenity. Though Hounsou IMO would be a far greater choice, I really wouldn't mind Ejiofor at all.

Ditto, he was good in Inside Man(the only film I've seen him in).

 

[Spider-Fan]

Ejiofor I have seen in Inside Man, Amistad, Serenity, and Children of Men.

Man is a very good actor, and solid choice. He would have been my 2nd choice, actually.

 

[Advanced Dark]

I don't remember him from Inside Man. Now I gotta watch it again. I have Children of Men but never watched it. Cant' wait.

 

[jaguarr]

This guy is such a talented actor. He's quickly become one of my favorites. He's excellent in "Children Of Men" and "Inside Man" and tore it up in "Serenity". And if you ever want to see an actor put on a master's class on acting way outside of your comfort zone check out "Kinky Boots". He devours that film as a gay drag queen and he does it so convincingly and with so much charm and style that it's just mesmerizing to watch his performance. His next film is called "Red Belt" where he'll be showing off his jiujitsu skills to the max. He's a great actor and I wouldn't be disappointed at all to see him take on the roll of T'Challa. I like Himonsou as well. Either of them would be great.

jag