In a recent interview, actor Michael B. Jordan revealed that he sought therapy following his portrayal of the antagonist Erik Killmonger in the acclaimed 2018 film, Black Panther. This landmark film not only showcased the first Black superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), played by the late Chadwick Boseman, but it also achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.
During his appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, Jordan candidly discussed the emotional impact of stepping into the role of Killmonger. He noted that the character “stuck with me for a bit,” leading him to explore his feelings in therapy. This process provided him with an outlet to “decompress” and understand the depth of his experience. “At that point, I was still learning that I needed to decompress from a character,” he explained.
Jordan emphasized the benefits he gained from therapy, describing it as a journey of “self-discovery.” He expressed pride in his progress, stating he feels like a “much better communicator” and a “well-rounded person, inside and out.” His experience has inspired him to advocate for mental health, particularly encouraging men to seek help. “I think that’s something that’s necessary for people, you know? Especially men,” he stated, underscoring that he is proud of his decision to pursue therapy.
The actor has long harbored a desire to portray a villain, and Black Panther provided the ideal platform to showcase his acting skills. The film received widespread acclaim, earning a near-perfect score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and several prestigious accolades, including three Oscars for Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design. Jordan himself garnered multiple awards for his performance, including Outstanding Supporting Actor at the Black Reel Awards and Best Villain at the MTV Movie & TV Awards.
Following the success of Black Panther, Jordan reprised a different role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which was filmed after Boseman’s passing. He appeared in a significant scene when Shuri encountered Killmonger in the Ancestral Plane, highlighting the lasting impact of his previous performance.
As Jordan continues to advance in his career, he has starred in films such as Creed II and Creed III. The latter has received critical acclaim, with nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes. His recent film, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, was a surprise hit in 2025, grossing $368 million.
Despite the challenges he faced with the Killmonger character, Jordan has emerged from this experience with a renewed focus on his career and personal growth. He is now positioned for potential recognition at the Oscars for his performance in Sinners. Looking ahead, Coogler is set to return to the MCU with Black Panther 3, raising the possibility of Jordan reprising his role as Killmonger, potentially through another Ancestral Plane scene or a variant version of the character.
Jordan’s journey serves as a reminder of the profound impact that roles can have on actors and highlights the importance of mental health support in the entertainment industry.
