In possibly some of the best news to come out of Hollywood this week, Phylicia Rashad may have joined Marvel’s Black Panther, multiple outlets report.
As promised, director Ryan Coogler appears to be delivering “among the best ensembles” of any movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As previously reported, the film set out to sign a predominately Black cast — 90 percent to be exact. While Kevin Feige definitely set the bar high, he and Coogler appear to have upped the ante when one cast member dropped the Emmy nominee’s name.
During a recent interview with The Undefeated, “This is Us” star Sterling K. Brown — who most recently landed a role of his own in the action flick — spilled the beans on Rashad’s (yet to be announced) role. “I just worked with Chad [Boseman] on a film called Marshall, about Thurgood Marshall. He’s such a talented human being and a deep soul. He’s the perfect personality to fully inhabit T’Challa. So, to rejoin him, and to work with Academy Award winners …t o be with Michael B. Jordan after the incredible work he’s done in Creed. Danai Gurira, Phylicia Rashad, Forest Whitaker, like, it’s embarrassing,” he said.
While the text has since been edited to remove Rashad’s name, it’s unclear whether it means her casting was meant to be kept secret or if Brown misspoke. What we do know is that The Undefeated, a site dedicated to sports stories and other content from an African American perspective, is owned by ESPN, which in turn is owned by Disney, Marvel Studio’s parent company. They may simply have had an issue with how the film’s new cast member was announced.
Earlier this week, Marvel Studios announced they had signed Brown to play the role of N’Jobu, a figure from the so-called hero’s past. Brown responded to the announcement via Twitter, writing, “Beyond thrilled to be joining this immensely talented group of actors & storytellers! Thank you for a seat at the table! ??”
Meanwhile, neither Marvel Studios or Rashad has responded to the casting rumors. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on Rashad possibly joining the highly anticipated film? Sound off in the comment section below.
