Is BLACK PANTHER Still On Michael Jai White's Radar?
In the past Michael Jai White (The Dark Knight) has never been shy about his interest in Black Panther, even going so far as to say that his version would make you forget about Batman. That was a year ago, has his interest waned?
By nailbiter111 - 8/24/2012
Michael Jai White is no newbie to comic book movies as he starred in Spawn and had a small but scene-stealing role in The Dark Knight as mob boss, Gambol. Over the past few years the actor has lobbied hard for a chance to play T'Challa in a live-action Black Panther film, but now it sounds as though he is losing interest.
CraveOnline: Marvel seems to be calling every African-American actor there is to talk about Black Panther. Are you one of them and do you have any thoughts on approaching that?
Michael Jai White: I have no thoughts whatsoever. Sometimes with Hollywood movies, I’m surprised when they get things right. They come at things from a whole different perspective. I don’t even pretend to know how they think. Who knows what they’re thinking but that’s not on my radar. I would have a discussion but it’s nothing I think about.
If he is losing interest I wouldn't blame him. Going into Comic-Con most fans were hoping to hear that the project was in fact moving forward, but Marvel co-president Louis D'Esposito told MTV that there was a hiccup because Wakanda may be too dificult to pull off.
"It's always easier basing it here. For instance, 'Iron Man 3' is rooted right here in Los Angeles and New York. When you bring in other worlds, you're always faced with those difficulties."
Which is an incredibly odd statement by itself, but becomes even more bizarre when you factor that in the very same interview D'Esposito praises Guardians of the Galaxy. A film that will take place in outer space no less and feature an extraterrestrial plant monster (Groot) that eats wood and a talking Raccoon (Rocket). So all of that won't be difficult in the eyes of Marvel, but showcasing a technologically advanced African nation that still holds onto its tribal roots is too far fetched? Smells fishy, I'm going to go chew on some wood.
Kevin Tancharoen directed the wonderful Mortal Kombat: Legacy web series, that starred Michael Jai White as Jax. It was so popular that it helped Kevin land his dream role of directing a Mortal Kombat featured film. We know that Jax is in the film because Kevin tweeted a sample of the script that included the character's name. Although he still hasn't announced if any of the actors from the web series will appear in the movie. But for fans of the web series Michael Jai White has some good news, something to look forward to.
CraveOnline: Is there any more "Mortal Kombat?"
Michael Jai White: Yeah, that’s definitely in the plans for the future.
CraveOnline: Would you be involved in writing the new series?
Michael Jai White: No, that’s Kevin Tancharoen for "Mortal Kombat." He’s a perfectionist and what he’s crafting as far as the script, he’s taking his time to do it right but we’re waiting on another draft. He’s done a couple drafts and he’s just perfecting it.
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