Rumor: ‘Chronicle’ Star Michael B. Jordan In Contention For ‘Fantastic Four’
Let’s be real: Superhero movies have historically tended to be lily-white affairs. Sure, there’s the occasional Nick Fury or Storm or War Machine, but the vast majority of leading heroes have been Caucasian. If a new casting rumor is to be believed, though,Josh Trank’s upcomingFantastic Fourcould be an exciting exception.
Trank is reportedly considering hisChroniclestarMichael B. Jordanfor the role of Johnny Storm a.k.a. The Human Torch, a traditionally white character who was played by Chris Evans in earlier films. Combined withwhispersfrom earlier this week thatAllison Williamscould play Sue Storm, it looks like casting on the movie is starting to heat up. More information after the jump.
Jordan has logged time on the critically acclaimed TV seriesThe Wire,Friday Night Lights, andParenthood. He gained notice for his turn inChroniclelast year, and this year got raves at Sundance for his lead performance inFruitvale Station. Among his upcoming roles are the romantic comedyAre We Officially Dating?and the dramaPretenders.
How Jordan might impact casting for the Sue Storm role is unclear. The characters are siblings in the comics, so Trank may have to look for a black actress (ie, not Williams) or alter the backstory if Jordan is cast. Of course, that’s a still big if at this point anyway, as no one’s very far along in the casting process right now.
Fantastic Fouris on track to shoot this fall for aMarch 6, 2015release.Jeremy Slaterpenned the script, with rewrites bySeth Grahame-Smith.Matthew Vaughnis producing.
