Casting rumors are always running wild in Hollywood, but this week one rumor in particular seemed to grab headlines more than any other. Slash Film and other film sites are reporting that Josh Trank, the director assigned to the Fantastic Four reboot, is considering casting Michael B. Jordan as the Human Torch. What makes this rumor particularly interesting is that Jordan is black, and the character of the Human Torch has always been portrayed as Caucasian ever since his creation.
Johnny Storm in action (right). Artwork by Jack Kirby.
Trank is said to be considering Jordan since they already collaborated on last year’s sleeper hit, Chronicle, and they have a good relationship.
At this time, there hasn’t been a formal offer, and Fox hasn’t even weighed in on the rumor. He has however, apparently had quite a few meetings with the studio. Whether it was over Fantastic Four or some other project remains to be seen.
Even though I think Jordan is a great actor, I can’t say that I’m onboard for this idea if it’s true. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for affirmative action in superhero movies; I just don’t want to see it happen like this. They shouldn’t change some character’s race and history just for the sake of having a black guy or girl on the team. That’s cheap and it’s just disrespectful.
They should introduce characters respectfully and purposefully. Look at what Marvel Studios did with War Machine and Nick Fury. Those didn’t feel fake or contrived, because both of those characters existed before the movies ever did. Marvel is also integrating more and more characters as their movie universe develops. We already know that Anthony Mackie will be portraying the Falcon in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and it sounds like they’re close to preparing a film for Black Panther.
What do you think of the idea of Jordan portraying Johnny Storm? Do you think it’s a risky move? Or do you think that Marvel’s First Family needs a bit more diversity? Why don’t you just tell us what you think in the comments below?
Source: Slash Film
