According to The Wrap, the first member of the rebooted “Fantastic Four” might be cast – Michael B. Jordan, who co-starred in director Josh Trank’s previous movie, the more-clever-than-it-had-any-right-to-be “Chronicle,” seems to be in contention to play The Human Torch aka Johnny Storm. The reboot is scheduled to hit theaters in 2015.
What makes this interesting, of course, is that Jordan is an African American actor, and the Human Torch, in the comics and in the original two “Fantastic Four” movies, is white (current Captain America Chris Evans played the character in “Fantastic Four” and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”). It also calls into question the casting of the Invisible Woman, AKA Sue Storm, who is Johnny’s sister, and another member of the superhero team. Is it too early to suggest Kerry Washington? If not: Kerry Washington.
We’re all for breaking the color barrier when it comes to superheroes and super-villains (like Jamie Foxx’s Electro in next year’s “Amazing Spider-Man 2”) and Jordan, who has had roles on “Friday Night Lights” and “The Wire,” is a terrific actor who can bring the hubris and humanity of Johnny Storm to the big screen with aplomb. (Jordan also appears in the Sundance-winning “Fruitvale Station.”) But, of course, nothing is set in stone until a final announcement is made. And Comic Con is just around the corner…
This new “Fantastic Four” will be produced by Matthew Vaughn and directed by Trank from a script by Jeremy Slater and Seth Grahame-Smith. Also Mark Millar is involved in some capacity. A March 6th, 2015 release date has been set aside.
So;
Electro despite being white in the amazing Spider-man comics (Black in the ultimates) is being played by a black actor in a film adaption of the amazing Spider-man comics.
Now Johnny Storm is being played by a black actor also – despite his in-film 'sister' actress Allison Williams (Cast as Susan Storm) being as white as could possibly be and all prior versions of Johnny Storm being white.
Once again, to emphasise this. Look at the comics;
http://comicbookcollectorsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/FF-5-Johnny-Storm-Reading-Hulk.jpg
What the hell is up with films nowadays. Sure, we understand that their is little cultural diversity in comics that were made ages ago – but changing the characters colour solely for the reason of adding some diversity to the cast is annoying as hell – and I feel its disappointing as a fan that instead of this film being based on the comics it'll be just someone else's attempt at diversifying Fantastic Four.
Wasn't Allison Williams rumored to be on the short list for Sue Store as recently as yesterday? I'm all for breaking the colour barrier but I think it's important that the two characters remain brother and sister, even if they're adopted.
Apologies for the photo error earlier, I was half awake and running out the door. Blah.
Kerry Washington appeared in both 'Fantastic Four' films. I don't think that should automatically eliminate her from selection, it's just weird that Taylor didn't acknowledge this tidbit.
another comic book movie zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I'm surprised no one's mentioned this, but Kerry Washington was already in the previous two Fantastic Four movies.
I like Ryan Hansen for Johnny Storm, personally, and maybe Alice Eve for Sue, but other than mentioning that, I will avoid wading into these perilous waters.
Apologies on the initial image. The photo editor goofed.
Not to excuse Mr. Taylor, but maybe you guys should check out Comic Book Movie's post on this development (can't post the link). There are already 500 comments on the rumor, and most – not all – consist of pathetic, racist, pig-ignorant, inbred, Neanderthal, frighteningly naïve responses. "Oh no, Jordan can't play the character. Because Johnny Storm is white and Jordan is black and not white and Johnny Storm is white and not black and Jordan is …". Apologies for the swearing, but FUCK THESE FANBOYS and FUCK THEIR PATHETIC ATTEMPTS TO MASK THEIR RACISM. Thank God these will never procreate … or lose their virginities.
YAAAAAAAY! Like it never happened. . . .
Yeah, that's not him! Where's Wallace at?
If only there was an internet movie database that had pictures along side names so we could easily track what actors look like . . . . I'm going to get on that now . . .
Jamie Foxx is playing Electro, not Mysterio and that's not Michael B. Jordan. You should just take the story down until you can get it right.
I understand you guys make mistakes but really?? C'mon, thats not even him. Take that down before people really start to get pissed.
That's Ryan Coogler, not Michael B. Jordan
Wow….that's not Michael B Jordan…I guess we all look alike?