Back in the day, when Marvel indicated its intentions to introduce Black Panther into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), fans turned eager to witness how the beloved comic book character would be portrayed on the big screen. And it’s safe to say that Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of the regal ruler and fierce protector of Wakanda was received warmly by audiences worldwide. But prior to Boseman creating the Black Panther legacy for himself, there were rumors of another MCU star being considered for the role of T’Challa.
Among the individuals who came close to becoming the Black Panther before Boseman was an underrated MCU actor whose performance impressed many.
The MCU actor considered for Black Panther before Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal
It’s obvious that ultimately, Chadwick Boseman was chosen to bring Black Panther to life in the MCU. Having debuted in the film Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther’s success surpassed the billion-dollar mark at the box office. However, before Boseman solidified Black Panther’s enduring presence in the MCU, the makers considered Chiwetel Ejiofor for the role.
Famous for playing the role of Baron Mordo in another MCU movie Doctor Strange, Ejiofor’s performances is often met with great acclaim by the audiences.
Apart from him, it was reported by several media houses like the Live Journal said that Idris Elba and Michael B Jordan were also considered for the role. Although both the actors later found a place in the Marvel universe, it was Chadwick Boseman that finally made the cut and portrayed the titualar lead in Black Panther.
Who is the new Black Panther now?
Having achieved international success for his performance as Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman became the first black actor to ever headline an MCU movie. However, after losing his life to colon cancer in 2020, speculations surrounding who will continue the approximately $476 million legacy began doing rounds.
The prior contendors for the role were majorly out of question as they had already assumed their respective roles in the Marvel verse. With Chiwetel Ejiofor portraying Baron Mordo in Doctor Strange, Idris Elba playing Heimdall in the Thor series, and Michael B Jordan assuming the role of Erik Killmonger in Black Panther, fans were eager to know who the next T’Challa would be.
And revealing the new king of Wakanda in the recent Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the makers depicted Shuri, T’Challa’s sister (played by Letitia Wright) as the new Black Panther.
Source: The Things
