Comic Book Movies: The Black Panther
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I happen to be surfing the net and caught a whiff of HOT GARBAGE. Apparently everyone is hyped to see a Black Panther movie. Especially actor Adewale Akinnuoy-Agbaje. (Lost, Oz, G.I. Joe). He’s awesome. He’s African-American. And he has the perfect accent. So What’s wrong. Well, can he carry a film as a leading male? I don’t have that much faith in him. For one of the few African-American super heroes, we need some real SUPER STAR power. Now is the time when everyone is like ,”Then who?” I have two actors that have the acting chops as well as the charisma to bring this film to box office gold.
Adewale Akinnuoy-Agbaje
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Morris Chestnut: Not the rock n roll actor you thought I’d pick was it? Everything about him sings of the Black Panther. Style, intelligence, mannerism, and that kingly air that is T’Challa. Because really….. anybody can wear the suit. But what you need is an actor that conveys that hero presence without the uniform. Which brings me to my second choice.
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Derek Luke : Such a phenomenal actor. Even better than Chestnut. Luke gives the performance of a life time every single time. You feel him. And understand his characters. You know, plus all the physical stuff.
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The Black Panther isn’t similar any one super hero. But more of an amalgam of different heroes. A detective like Batman. A fighting patriot as Captain America is. And a scientist similar Marvels half dozen scientific heroes, if not on a genius level. And you need an actor that can do that as well as wear the costume.
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With Reginald Hudlin writing and maybe directing the Black Panther could be a sure hit. I’d also recommend Antoine Fuqua to direct. And if handled correctly, YES we could see him in an Avengers movie. Part 2, part 3, whatever. It is possible. Marvel just has to do the right thing. The same as they’ve done with Iron Man and the Incredible Hulk. And it all started with a good director and a good cast. The Black Panther should be treated like the King he is. Go all out and you’ll get greatness in return. Guaranteed.