During the press line for Universal’s prequel to The Thing, I had a chance to speak with actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who fans best associate with the character of “Mr. Eko” from Lost.
Aside from talking about his role in The Thing prequel, the proper pronunciation of his name or the many accents he seems to have mastered, I took the opportunity to ask Adewale about the long-standing reports that he is interested in a future role as Marvel’s Black Panther.
Back in the summer of 2009, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (or Triple A as he’s known) was at the San Diego Comic-Con, where he made his intentions to play Black Panther known to the world:
“We’re talking to Marvel about ‘Black Panther… This is the first round, so you know, hopefully they’ll look at ‘G.I. Joe’ and see the potential. But it’s about time we have a black superhero, isn’t it?”
“He’s from a fictional village in Africa and the timing is so right for that kind of character to come through… And while I’m in my prime, this is the time. We’ve got [U.S. President Barack] Obama, now we need something onscreen to represent, so… ‘Panther,’ man.”
He may want to drop the Obama association (it’s not as favorable as it once was), but during the 2010 New York Comic-Con, “Triple A” seemed as resolute as ever about pursuing the part. As he said to me in our interview:
“I would love to see that happen, and I think the more we – my people – campaign for that, the more viable it will be. And I mean, obviously appearing in cult-classics and blockbusters all help, we’re very much on [Marvel's] radar…I think it’s all about campaigning, I’m going to keep knocking on their door.”
During the conversation, Triple A added that he knows Marvel is intently focused on their immediate slate of projects – Thor, Captain America and The Avengers – but that perhaps when that first phase of films was complete, and Marvel starts exploring other superhero movie possibilities, there would be an increased window of opportunity for him to snag the coveted role of T’Challa, the Black Panther.
"Hurry up so I can get my own movie deal!"
But is Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje a proper fit for Black Panther? Personally, I would consider him, Chiwetel Ejiofor or Idris Elba as prime candidates for the part (Wesley Snipes and Djimon Hounsou are a bit too old for my tastes). Recently, Elba expressed interest in playing Luke Cage and Triple A actually has a background (Nigerian, raised in England, working in America for a decade) that would seem to be a good fit for a character who hails from an African nation but is educated and experienced in the world – so why not cast him? He certainly has the acting chops.
First things first, however – Marvel needs to actually move ahead with a Black Panther film (and whatever happened to that Black Panther animated series, Marvel?).
Well keep you posted on Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s career moves (G.I. Joe 2 for instance) and his chances of playing Black Panther as news unfolds. Stay tuned.
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This would be a good move.
Chiwetel Ejiofor is a talented, under-appreciated actor.
Man I have been thinking about him for this since Black Panther was announced. I know for sure he can do justice to the character.
Sweet! Make it so!
I don’t think he gets enough credit. But I think he would be great for the role.
Triple A should play T’Chaka, T’Challa’s father, he’d be killed and T’challa would take over as the Black Panther. Kinda like the animated Avengers 2.
T’Challa should be a little younger to leave room for sequels. Send the call out, Audition time! (the guy that plays Dixon on the new 90210 could work, don’t ask)
I think his enemy should be Klaw, master of sound. He’s the clasic panther villain. They would fight for control of Wakanda’s vast Vibranium reserves. Or maybe The Supremicists, everybody hates them. Post-apartheid racists will unite the audience behind the Panther.
Nah, he’d be a PERFECT “KillMonger” or even “Man-Ape” but Black Panther he is NOT. Either Chewitel Ejiofor,Djimon Honsou or new young unknown actor.
sorry to say this but no to Djimon Honsou the time they do Black Panther he would be close to 50. but Chewitel Ejiofor would be amazing as Black Panther
Chiwetel Ejiofor is the only guy I can see pullin’ this off, he’s fresh, new, he’s got class, he’s the man.
Ive been a huge fan of his since Oz so I would love to see this I think he could definetly pull it off.
I prefer the dude who played Captain Sisko in Deep Space 9. Avery Brook, he looks more like the Panther then AAA. Plus AAA needs to get rid of his British accent to play the Wakandan king.
what u talking about u know who he is. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje can change his accent on film he had to use his British accent in GI Joe cause the director asked him to use it. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is of African background his Nigerian English actor. he used a African accent in The Mummy Returns, Oz, Lost, for crying out loud
Avery Brooks was born in 1948. That makes an origin story a tough sell. No disrespect to the actor, he’s terrific.
Hell Yeah Please let this be true and not a rumor.
hi reckon djimon hounsou (blood diamond) should play BP he isnt to big (size wise) and he doesn’t have a really heavy accent.
Peter Mensah as T’CHAKA!!!!
If he ain’t Panther….give him a part anyway.
Just because you know you really want to.
Hey…let’s not forget that cameo dot in Iron Man 2, showing T’Chilla’s backyard, y’know?
no.triple a must be the black panther…remember how much of a bad ass he was on lost??screw those other guys-this guy wants it bad enough-then give him the part, plus he’s a big guy and already muscular-those other cats-eh.
Definitely should pick Triple A! The guy from Blood Diamond is too old to be T’Challa.
Djimon Hountsou all the way.
I like Derek Luke from Antwone fisher and Friday night lights…also he held his own against Tim Robbins in To catch a fire (which is no small feat).
The guy is 31 but he looks about 25. Other choices might be Taye diggs or Anthony mackey (from the hurt locker). I think since the Avengers are relatively young it should be a younger guy. Maybe someone not well known but well acomplished.
Mr. Ecko or Dijimon Honsou are awesome but their both in their mid forties…a little too old for an origins story.
Idris Elba hands down. Not only does he have the acting chops, BUT he has the looks and body as well.
Hope u get the part. Your girl Shanice Palmer is a slut out here in Canada! She’s just using you for the monthly income and her beauty salon she’s hoping you’ll buy her!
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is the best actor ever for black panther,he’s got all it takes.
He’s got the skills,Adewale is just the right man for black panther.He will do justice to it.
Hell No! Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje should not be The Black Panther No written Offence I Just don’t see it the same thing goes for Dijimon Honsou and Idris Elba Because Choices of casting Don’t quite work that way in Hollywood however my personal Favorites such as Terrance Howard and Micheal Jay White, and The Rock Dwanye Johnson, and last but the least Tyrese Gibson seems more likely however this is Just Gossip for now and Plus everyone has Opinions but this does not mean that you Can’t Discuss them, however this is not a profanity or personal attack at all Just pure Conversation and that is all so there is no need to Frustrated by any means as Gossip Can’t hurt but a Skateboard accident can.
Marvel Studios should never do a Black Panther movie with a particular actor in mind. If the script ain’t tight, then the time ain’t right.
Nobody wants to see geopolitical intrigue in their comic book movies. All Marvel needs to do is follow the tracks that Reginald Hudlin and John Romita, Jr. Laid down for them back in 2004…
Get Joss Whedon in a room with Reggie Hudlin and make this screenplay a reality. I would love to see Sam Jackson, Denzel, Wesley Snipes, Jamie Foxx, and Will Smith pay homage to the first (and baddest MF) Black superhero on planet Terra Firma!
Like Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X,” this is a film that needs to be made BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!
i think black panther should be play by Djimon Hounsou he is a better fit for the roll
I have a better chance of becoming leader of the world than Marvel making a movie with a black superhero lead.
Sadly, I have to agree…
It appears that the folks in charge at Marvel Studios are psychologically uncomfortable with the idea of a wealthy superhero with world class intellect, next generation military weaponry, and unparalleled fighting skills…
I guess they don’t like their Dark Knights TOO dark. I’m just saying.
I want Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje to play Black Panther in the movie 2014. I want action figure and weapon toys for the movie.