Djimon Hounsou Hints At A Black Panther Movie, Wants To Play The Part

Djimon Hounsou Hints At A Black Panther Movie, Wants To Play The Part

He has already voiced the character in animated form, but it turns out the frequently fan cast actor wants a chance to play the Wakandan King in live action too..

By MarkCassidy - Dec 02, 2010 03:12 PM EST
Filed Under: Black Panther
Source: IO9

Djimon Hounsou has long been a fan favourite to portray Tchalla on the big screen. having voiced the character in a short lived animated series, it seems we can add him to a growing list of big names that are eager to bring The Black Panther to life in live action form. io9 caught up with Hounsou at the premier for Julie Traymor'e The Tempest and the interview reveals some interesting things.



Apparently if a third Fantastic Four movie ever saw the light of day, Hounsou was director Tim Story's pick to play Black Panther. And, the animated show was made to gauge audience reaction to the character and build interest for a live action movie from Marvel. Housou says: "That was the idea: using it as a leverage to tell a feature story,". And that he is still "dying" to play him.

I think most of us assume that its only a matter of time before Marvel get moving on a Black Panther film, although there has been no official word on the project as yet. Hounsou seems confident it will happen however , telling io9 that he sees a solo movie happening before a possible appearance in any Avengers sequels. And he certainly seems passionate about it too..

He's a king, he's a man of the people, and he's very powerful — he challenges himself throughout his kingdom, and I think that's rare when the king puts his own life [on the line] and challenges [people] to beat him, in order to see [who's] the best out there... He's really cool. He comes from a world in Africa that is cool, and has all those minerals and it's very exciting. It's just a matter of time for that to be realized.



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JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 12/2/2010, 3:45 PM
He would have been in a third Fantastic Four movie? Does this mean that Fox own the rights to Black Panther!?! NOOOOO!!!!!!! He's a great choice for the role, although I think he might be a little too old now. Great find ROR! :)
BrotherQStark
BrotherQStark - 12/2/2010, 3:54 PM
Perfect choice for Black Panther

I hope Fox doesn't own his rights but if they do, how come a Black Panther easter egg was in Iron Man 2

Glad there wasn't a Fantastic Four 3
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 12/2/2010, 3:58 PM
According to io9 Josh. First I have heard of it too. But Marvel must have the rights now at any rate because they have mentioned his name as a possibility for movies/tv a few times.
Curmudgeon
Curmudgeon - 12/2/2010, 3:59 PM
Black Panther was named as one of ten properties Marvel Studios was going to self-produce and distribute though Paramount in their original 2005 press release.

That was the same year the first FF came out and well before the second film or any potential third. He was therefore under an existing film deal, so could have never been at Fox around that time.

That entire portion of the article(s) is 100% Grade-A BULLSHIT.
marvel72
marvel72 - 12/2/2010, 4:03 PM
a black panther film that lead into the avengers 2 would be cool.

- black panther
- iron man 3
- thor 2
- captain america 2
- the incredible hulk 2
- the avengers 2
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 12/2/2010, 4:05 PM
From Firstshowing back in 2008..

The reason why Black Panther seems like the most logical choice is because Tim Story, who directed the two Fantastic Four movies, has mentioned Hounsou as his favorite choice for Panther. In an interview with IGN back in May of 2007 before Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer had hit theaters, Story told them that the Black Panther was one of the characters he was interested in bringing into the series.

"I've got to tell you, to get the Fantastic Four and turn it into a franchise, the first thing I thought was, 'Will I get the Silver Surfer'? Or someone like Black Panther, who was introduced in their book, get Djimon Hounsou and go do it?' But there are so many other great villains and stories - I feel like I hit the jackpot."


Looks like Story merely wanted him, doubt there was ever anything official there.
patriautism
patriautism - 12/2/2010, 4:10 PM
He should play T'Chaka and Chiwetel Ejiofor should be T'Challa...
They're only like 9-10 years apart in age, but I think that could still work.
Idris Elba for Man-Ape, and Liam Neeson for Claw.
WingDingaLing
WingDingaLing - 12/2/2010, 4:15 PM
someone should SERIOUSLY MAKE THIS MOVIE ITS TIME FOR ANOTHER BLACK SUPERHERO!
Ranger14
Ranger14 - 12/2/2010, 4:21 PM
He's 46. Too old for T'Challa and if they make a Black Panther movie it should follow the T'Challa story.
InSpace
InSpace - 12/2/2010, 4:25 PM
patriautism@Yeah !
I always wanted Chiwetel to play BP,have you seen Redbelt or Serenity ? He owns in those movies !

Think Hounsou should play Man-Ape,not his dad too young.Great Klaw pick though
Ibz
Ibz - 12/2/2010, 4:27 PM
maybe 10 or more years ago he would have been perfect for t'challa but he is getting a bit old now but who knows he could play t'challas dad
selinakyle
selinakyle - 12/2/2010, 4:31 PM
Give us Free!!! I dont want him anywhere near black panther. Even though he is the living breathing physical specimen of BP.
LibertySeaOtter
LibertySeaOtter - 12/2/2010, 4:48 PM
Don't you get it people? Black Panther needs to be BLACK!

I loved him in Never Back Down and Blood Diamond and Heroes.
Armageddon26
Armageddon26 - 12/2/2010, 4:53 PM
Tisguy is guy ssa relly good prson fer back pantherther
roacho666
roacho666 - 12/2/2010, 4:59 PM
Hell yeah. The guy's a good actor and jacked.
chasesuperremey
chasesuperremey - 12/2/2010, 5:00 PM
He would be great for the part.
tazmaniak
tazmaniak - 12/2/2010, 5:07 PM
My current stance is Idris Elba for Black Panther.38 years old and 6'2.

I like Ejiofor, but I think he's too short(5'10).I also think he's a little too light skinned.
Elijah06
Elijah06 - 12/2/2010, 5:13 PM
I believe John Singleton has the rights to Black Panther and Luke Cage. Hee plans to direct both movies.
soberchimera
soberchimera - 12/2/2010, 5:18 PM
He's perfect for the part, and why are people saying he's too old? RDJ is 45 and rockin it with Iron Man.
ManThing
ManThing - 12/2/2010, 5:53 PM
Now that's a damn good fit. That might just be my favorite idea for BP yet!

Anybody remember Gladiator? he was good in that.
SHAZAM171
SHAZAM171 - 12/2/2010, 6:01 PM
THE PERFECT BLACK PANTHER!!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!!
kakinurmawth
kakinurmawth - 12/2/2010, 6:05 PM
@Josh: I know!! I almost threw up when I read that!! EPIC FAIL if FOX still owns the rights!!

@Ror: I hope to almighty Thanos you are correct. If not I will go cry in a corner somewhere.

Idris Elba is overrated. Dude needs to leave the scene.
This guy is the best casting choice in the history of CBM'S (so far)

@Tazmaniak: dude, funny you should say "too light skinned." There was a thread reporting a casting agent getting fired for saying that to a woman who wanted to be an extra in The Hobbit!! People got crazy and started screaming racism!! Better watch yourself, lol! You might be stamped a racist!! LMAO!!!
scallywagthedog
scallywagthedog - 12/2/2010, 6:08 PM
Every time I see Djimon's name, I think of "Digimon", then the theme song starts playing in my head..."Dig-i-mon, digital monsters, Digimon are the champions!"
kakinurmawth
kakinurmawth - 12/2/2010, 6:15 PM
@scallywag: haha. I used to watch that show!
Ranger14
Ranger14 - 12/2/2010, 6:27 PM
"He's perfect for the part, and why are people saying he's too old? RDJ is 45 and rockin it with Iron Man."

Because T'Challa isn't Tony Stark and his character doesn't rely on a suit for his powers. It really doesn't matter how old Tony Stark is to pull of Iron Man. T'Challa not an old king of Wakanda. Why someone would want to start a Black Panther continuity with a 46 year old T'Challa is beyond me. Mid-30's is about as old as I would like to see.

My personal favorite after watching Dark Blue is Omari Hardwick. He's 36, so that is about as old as I would go. Athletic build and can fight well. Very good actor. An inch and half shorter than the 6' Black Panther, but I think that is alright for this role. He has that intelligent but kick-ass look to him. Some here may say he is too "light-skinned", but other images of him he looks much darker.



Rodimus9
Rodimus9 - 12/2/2010, 6:34 PM
@fgyhf.... You're officially gay.

Adewale from lost would be a good choice too.
WakeUp
WakeUp - 12/2/2010, 6:37 PM
I'd vote for Chiwetel Ejiofor...Dji needs some "just for men" in that beard.


that is one homo erotic photo
jjmeylar
jjmeylar - 12/2/2010, 6:38 PM
I think that he's too old and should play T'Chaka, instead. He'd still get to wear the suit ((or a version of it)) probably.
JohnTom88
JohnTom88 - 12/2/2010, 6:43 PM
^ Somebody would complain him to be too light skinned

I think Chiwetel Ejiofor is the perfect T'Challa. He's 30 something, a good actor, can do his own fight moves and also Denzel's close pal.

Both Elba and Hounsou are a bit whoring for roles, don't you think?
Ranger14
Ranger14 - 12/2/2010, 6:52 PM
JohnTom88@ Yeah, I know, but it isn't a big issue with me and he isn't THAT light. I think T'Challa, due to his education and background needs to have a very sophisticated, intelligent and regal look along with having a good build. I don't get that from Ejiofor and Ejiofor is very slight in build. He doesn't have a good frame to put on extra muscle for the role. Just my two pennies worth. :-)

SiriusMrE
SiriusMrE - 12/2/2010, 6:56 PM
I like Hounsou, but I think that they might have to go with someone younger and maybe lesser known for this one.
tazmaniak
tazmaniak - 12/2/2010, 7:07 PM
kakinurmawth, I'm black, in case anyone wants to say I'm being racist, but I do believe he is a little too light-skinned to portray a native African character.
BruceWayneNewton
BruceWayneNewton - 12/2/2010, 7:15 PM
Nothing racist about wanting the movie characters to look like the ones in the comics.
BetaRayB
BetaRayB - 12/2/2010, 7:31 PM
He's 46 which is a strike against him, however he's a great actor, a martial artist and certainly looks the part. He's also in incredible condition and being 45 isn't going to hurt Robert Downey Jr. in his Iron Man role at all. Hounsou or Chiwetel Ejiofor are the only 2 actors I want for the role. I want a Black Panther that looks and sounds African. American African-Americans look and sound American and that just isn't authentic for this role. Save them for Luke Cage. Personally, I'd like Hounsou as T'Chacka (big opening and in flashbacks) and Ejiofor as T'Challa (using a child actor at the beginning scenes until T'Chacka is killed, then flash forward years later to Ejiofor). With Michael Jai White doing all the fight scenes.



JohnTom88
JohnTom88 - 12/2/2010, 7:39 PM
@Ranger14 I think T'Challa is more of a finesse/brain type of superhero, muscles aren't that important. Black Panther is about devising strategem that's not obvious and making him seemingly harmless to his stronger opponents will make it even cooler. Making Black Panther looks sophisticated and intelligent is more important, and Ejiofor has it all in his past roles.

Anyway, Ejiofor is muscled enough in Redbelt and his costume/training can make him even more muscled.
BetaRayB
BetaRayB - 12/2/2010, 7:40 PM
@ Ranger you said: "I think T'Challa, due to his education and background needs to have a very sophisticated, intelligent and regal look along with having a good build. I don't get that from Ejiofor"

Haven't you seen him in 'Serenity'? He was everything you mentioned. he also had great presence in that movie. Maybe we can get Eddie Murphy to do his 'Coming To America' character, instead! He's already played an African prince! lol

number10
number10 - 12/2/2010, 7:53 PM
dane cook for the black panther!
BetaRayB
BetaRayB - 12/2/2010, 7:54 PM
I'd like to see Brother Voodoo, Man-Ape, Klaw and maybe even HYDRA in this movie, with Cap coming into the picture. Just Cap and Black Panther. And probably Nick Fury and maybe Black Widow, too (have her doing spy and surveillance stuff and create the doubts about who she is in the Avengers movie and continue that in this one). The story could tie in with the Avengers movies by doing it similar to how they did it in the cartoon. Man-Ape deposes T'Chaka and starts selling vibranium to HYDRA through Klaw, who promises to make powerful vibranium weapons for them, this of course brings SHIELD into the picture who come in to take them out.
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