Marvel’s 2014 release that is still unnamed is likely going to be Edgar Wright’s ANT-MAN or possibly the long-rumored BLACK PANTHER film. With the success of THE AVENGERS and the projected box office numbers for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, the rumor mill has begun heating up with who would be a good fit for the role of the King of Wakanda.
In a recent interview, former rapper/basketball player/Dancing With the Stars contestant and actor Percy “Lil Romeo” Miller claims he was contacted by Paramount for the lead role of T’Challa, the Black Panther.
“I remember that before Jumping the Broom got released, there were some producers were talking about shopping the script to some people and I was one of the people they contacted and was asked if it was something I would be interested in,” he said. “You never know. I definitely want to take in and be the next big action hero. That may be something that’s cool.”
While I hold nothing against Lil Romeo (except his name), I don’t think he has enough star power to launch a major superhero film, especially if Marvel intends to integrate the character in with future AVENGERS sequels.
In a separate interview, Anthony Mackie (THE HURT LOCKER, ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER) stated he would definitely be up for the role.
“If Black Panther is made into a movie, I would love for it to be along the lines of Batman. It has to be an adult action hero. I would love to be a part of it, though, and I would sign on to it today.”
While Mackie certainly has the acting chops, he may not be quite marquee enough to carry the film. But, if BLACK PANTHER can premiere in THE AVENGERS 2, then the world may be better prepared for him to get his own spin-off.
Who would you cast as the star of BLACK PANTHER?