The Marvel cinematic universe is expanding rapidly. Nick Fury and company are always on the lookout for new heroes to aid SHIELD and The Avengers in their plight to defend the Earth from villains and their diabolical schemes – not to mention the fact that every Tom, Dick and Harry seems to have their own spin-off in the works.
Phases 2 and 3 of the project look to be even more exciting than the excellent series of on-screen events that culminated in the epic Avengers Assemble, with the likes of Ant-Man, Doctor Strange and the Guardians of the Galaxy set to appear as forces of good. A less-talked about (but still highly anticipated) addition to the MCU is one Black Panther.
Ever since a map depicting the whereabouts of known superhumans was shown in Iron Man 2 (with a ‘hot spot’ in Africa later being confirmed as Wakanda by Jon Favreau), and ever since Captain America’s vibranium shield was first seen on screen (Wakanda being where vibranium is predominantly found), Black Panther’s appearance has been all but inevitable.
Still, nothing is confirmed and there is no date set for a Black Panther movie, but who should Marvel be considering to play the Wakandan hero when the time comes? Let’s take a look at some possible options…
Want to write about the stuff you're passionate about and have your work read by an audience of over 10 million a month? Click here to become a contributor.









19 Comments
Like the list but would add one more and my person choice: Chiwetel Ejiofor, has the acting chops, is young enough (35), can handle the action, and worked with Whedon on Serenity, he would be a home run.
That’s not a bad call at all. Very good in American Gangster.
How can you miss out David Oyelowo? The guy’s immense!
Funnily enough I was watching Red Tails just last night.
I can’t explain it, I’ve seen his name mentioned but I don’t think his face fits.
Eammon Walker (Oz, Othello) could pull it off.
How about Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Mr eko from Lost and Heavy Duty from GI Joe.
Chiwetel Ejifor all day every day. Ever since Serenity I’ve been saying it.
Djimon Honsou is really hit or miss for me. I’ve seen things I’ve loved him in and others I hated him in.
Why would you even waste a spot on Mackie? Yeah he is a great actor and yeah he was rumored on the role way back, but now he is Falcon and there is no discussion to be had.
Will Smith is way too huge. He couldn’t be Black Panther because he is Will Smith.
Nick Fury was a white guy, Hollywood made him black onscreen.
Why does Black Panther have to be a black guy?
Actually lets throw some real spin on this and have Hugh Grant for the role!
In Nick’s case, his skin colour could be altered due to the fact he’s an American – a very racially diverse country.
In T’Challa’s case, he’s from Wakanda. Wakanda is a remote African country that has been concealed by past rulers from the outside world. Making him white would be like having a white Kenyan or a white Ethiopan 100 years ago… or a black William Wallace.
And his comic book history has him fighting the Klu Klux clan and being the son of T’Chaka – a tribesman. Being black is kind of an essential part of who he is.
The Nick Fury in the films is based on the Nick Fury from Marvel’s Ultimate universe which is not only be black but was designed with Sam Jackson in mind.
Indeed.
No one BUT Dijmon Hounsou should play Black Panther
Other than the obvious choice of Djimon Hounsou, another pick of mines would have to be Aldis Hodge. Unlike most of your picks he is pretty young so the possibility of multiple movies is good.
No to all but Djimon. But really they should cast Bill Cosby.
Why is Tyrese Gibson not in this list?
Because he’d make a terrible Black Panther. And a far better Luke Cage.
Tyrese doesn’t belong in the MCU. In fact, the only role I’d accept him in in a comic book movie is the mutant Jazz from District X/Th 198.
Terry Crews should play Luke Cage.
Terry Crews would make an awesome Luke Cage
I’d go for a more physically imposing Black Panther, Idris Elba or Dwayne Johnson would get my pick with Wesley Snipes as the elder panther who passes the mantle on.