When it comes to the Black Panther franchise, surprises and secrecy seem to go hand in hand. The highly anticipated sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, brought back fan-favorite characters while also facing the difficult task of honoring the late Chadwick Boseman. However, one surprising detail came to light after the film’s release: Michael B. Jordan, who reprised his role as the intense and unforgettable Erik “Killmonger” Stevens, wasn’t fully aware of the film’s plot. In fact, director Ryan Coogler made a decision that kept Jordan largely in the dark about what was coming next.
Michael B. Jordan’s return to the Black Panther franchise in the sequel was shrouded in secrecy for both the audience and Jordan himself. The actor, who portrayed the beloved villain Erik “Killmonger” Stevens in the first film, had little to no idea about the plot of the sequel. This was due to a deliberate decision by Coogler, who chose to keep the full script hidden from Jordan before the shooting began. In an interview with GQ, Jordan revealed that the director did not allow him to read the entire script.
At the time, Jordan was directing Creed 3, and Coogler wanted to maintain the element of surprise, especially given the emotional weight of the sequel after the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman. Jordan shared how he was aware of his character’s involvement in the story but had no idea how the plot would unfold. The absence of Boseman, who portrayed T’Challa, also cast a shadow over the production of Wakanda Forever.
Jordan spoke about how the entire cast felt a deep sense of responsibility in honoring Boseman’s memory and legacy. They knew they were not only making a sequel but also paying tribute to the late actor’s impact on the film industry and beyond. For him, returning to the role of Killmonger wasn’t just about reprising a character; it was about doing so with the understanding that they were carrying forward Boseman’s legacy. Ultimately, his experience filming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was one of emotional intensity and deep respect.
While he was kept in the dark about many aspects of the film, the decision to withhold key details allowed both him and the audience to experience the story in a fresh way. Jordan’s cautious approach to his career continues to evolve following his breakup with Lori Harvey in June 2022. In the same GQ interview, he opened up about his current dating life and future aspirations.
While he remains single, the Creed star shared that he isn’t actively looking for love right now. Instead, he is fully invested in his career and believes that when the right person comes along, it will happen at the right time. He emphasized that any future partner would need to fit seamlessly into the life he’s building, stating, “I would want somebody to fit into the flow of my life, of where I am. And that’s timing, right?”
Jordan reflected on the idea of meeting the right person at the wrong time, adding, “You can meet the right person, and be at the wrong time, and it just doesn’t work out.” His perspective suggests that timing plays a major role in relationships. The Black Panther actor mentioned that while he hopes to become a father one day, he isn’t in a rush. He explained that his father had two children at the same age but emphasized that building something solid takes time.
Right now, Jordan believes his career demands his full attention, and he’s focused on doing his best at this stage of his life. Given the integrity surrounding Ryan Coogler’s decisions, it’s clear that the choices made in relation to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever resonate deeply both on and off the screen, ensuring a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
You can stream the Black Panther movies on Disney+.
