Editorial: Michael B Jordan Joins Marvel's Black Panther, What About Fantastic Four?

Now here's an interesting piece of news from The Hollywood Reporter today. Michael B. Jordan has signed on to join the Black Panther cast.

But to say this news comes a surprise will also be inaccurate because Jordan has been the muse for all the feature films of director Ryan Coogler - Fruitvale Station and Creed. It's almost natural now for Jordan to be part of Coogler's third movie in whatever capacity.

And therein lies the big question. How much is Jordan involved or how big of a character will he play. For such a talent that Jordan is, it would be a big waste if he's there for a minor role. But then he could be doing Coogler a favour, to just appear in a minor role given their friendship.

Still, it would definitely make more sense for Jordan to have a huge role, given his star power. But if he is, then he will be a big part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So what happens to Fantastic Four in which he is still contracted to?

In another report, Simon Kinberg, producer of the Marvel properties at 20th Century Fox, has said that he is still working with Fox to produce another Fantastic Four movie; a direct sequel with the existing cast.

Now as much as the two biggest names in that franchise (Jordan and Miles Teller) would like to get out of that disaster, contracts are contracts and they are obligated for at least two more movies.

If that happens, it is going to be interesting to see how Fox and Disney balances out Jordan as two separate but notable characters in the comic book universe which belongs to Marvel.

But I have to believe that at some level Disney and Marvel have had words with Fox before Marvel confirms Jordan in Black Panther. And the more logical path would be a smaller role for Jordan in Black Panther, not unless Jordan is completely off Fantastic Four.

And one thing's for sure. Jordan will not be reprising his role as Johnny Storm the Human Torch in Black Panther even if the two superheroes and members of Avengers have crossed paths multiple times in the comic books.

Let's see how this story unfolds in the coming months. Black Panther is scheduled for release on 16 February 2018.