Michael B. Jordan once again addresses the possibility of Killmonger making a return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After working with Ryan Coogler on Fruitvale Station and Creed, Jordan starred in the writer/director’s Black Panther in 2018. In the film, Jordan played Erik Stevens aka Killmonger, the antagonist and estranged cousin of T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman).

Where T'Challa was raised in the prosperous country of Wakanda, Killmonger grew up in the Oakland projects after the death of his father at the hands of King T'Chaka. The two characters’ upbringing (and, in turn, world views) are at the heart of Black Panther, leading to commentary on culture, heritage, and society at large. Following a fierce battle for the Wakandan throne, Killmonger loses to T’Challa in a battle to the death. When the latter offers to heal his cousin as they watch the sunset, Killmonger says, “Bury me in the ocean, with my ancestors that jumped from the ships, because they knew death was better than bondage.” Despite his demise, fans long for the live-action return of Killmonger as one of the MCU’s best villains.

Related: Michael B Jordan Is Wrong, Killmonger Was Black Panther's Villain

During a recent interview with MTV News, Jordan spoke about the possibility of Killmonger making an MCU return. The actor expressed love for his character and ignorance regarding Marvel Studios’ notoriously tight-lipped plans. In a standard answer of MCU stars asked about their characters' future, Jordan simply said, "Who knows?" Read his full comments below:

 "I think it's a character and a world that I love so much, who knows? But as we all know Marvel has their plans and their things, who knows how things are going to shake out."

Killmonger wielding the Infinity Stones and raising his arms in Marvel's What If...?

Not only has Jordan been asked about a Killmonger return before, but he recently voiced the character in Disney+’s animated What If…? season 1, a series that explored alternate outcomes of important events/storylines in the MCU’s multiverse. In What If...? episode 6, Killmonger rescues Tony Stark from the Ten Rings in Afghanistan, altering the events of the first Iron Man film, and exacerbating his successful rise to power in Wakanda. At the end of season 1, The Watcher (Jeffery Wright) recruits his Guardians of the Multiverse, including King Killmonger, to combat Infinity Ultron. What If...? episode 9, however, sees Killmonger claim the Infinity Stones for himself, resulting in an eternal struggle with Arnim Zola, who is watched over by Doctor Strange Supreme in his pocket universe. Given What If…?’s canonical status, King Killmonger may someday escape Strange’s prison and into live-action. Or, at the very least, Jordan will continue to voice his character in the series’ season 2.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will largely be concerned with the late Boseman’s legacy. While plot details are being kept under wraps, reports point to it featuring a war between the underwater city of Atlantis and Wakanda as well as Riri Willaims' MCU debut as Dominique Thorne. The original film’s Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, and Martin Freeman will all reprise their roles for the sequel set to be released on November 11. Jordan will not be appearing in the film as he’s currently hard at work directing and starring in Creed 3. Based on Jordan's comments, however, it's certainly possible that Killmonger could be popping up elsewhere in Phase 4.

More: Marvel Confirms Why Killmonger Can't Return In Black Panther 2

Source: MTV News

Key Release Dates