Michael B. Jordan: Addresses Fantastic Four Backlash

Michael B. Jordan makes headlines today, because he has addressed the backlash he has received for being cast in the Fantastic Four reboot. Jordan was cast to play the Human Torch in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. Fans were unhappy when they first announced that Jordan would play the Human Torch, because the Human Torch has always been a white character in the comics, and Jordan is black. Jordan tells Cinefilos:

“It was expected. You kinda know going into it that people are used to seeing something one way. Its a continuity thing more than anything. People don’t like change too much. “

“But annoyed? Eh, just kinda accept it. It is what it is. You can’t make everybody happy. You just got to accept that and know. I’m an actor. I have to do my job. I’m going to do my job the best I can and the way I’ve been doing it my entire life, my entire career. I grew up a comic book guy. I read comic books as a kid growing up, and the Human Torch is one of my favorite characters so I’m going to give it my everything. I can’t wait.”

The other stars that have been cast in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot is Kate Mara as the Invisible Woman, Jamie Bell as The Thing, and Miles Teller as Mr.Fantastic. The casting for this reboot is quite diverse, but it seems the casting director is aiming for a more youthful cast based on who they have chosen to portray the comic book characters.

However, Michael B. Jordan hasn’t been the only one facing backlash for portraying a character in an upcoming comic book movie. More recently it was announced that Jesse Eisenberg was cast as Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman Vs. Batman movie. Fans were upset because Eisenberg was quite young to play Lex Luthor. In an recent interview with the film’s director Zack Snyder, he defends Eisenberg and shares his point of view about the choices for the film’s casting:

“We know the material. Unfortunately the fans don’t know the material. So, we’re casting according to what’s happening in the script, and we’re hoping that leads to enough originality, enough perspective on what we’re doing that you get something fresh and exciting. I understand the cannon. I’m not crazy. I know what these characters need from a mythological standpoint”

It will be interesting to see how well Jesse Eisenberg, and Michael B. Jordan will do in their perspective roles.