Michael B. Jordan addresses Human Torch backlash in 'Fantastic Four' movie reboot
The casting of Michael B. Jordan as The Human Torch/Johnny Storm in Josh Trank's Fantastic Four movie reboot spawned plenty of criticism and backlash from vocal comic book movie fans who are upset with an African-American actor's stepping into the role of a white character.
Jordan addressed the outcry during a recent event in Rome (via Superhero Hype) when asked if he was annoyed at the reaction.
"It was expected. You kinda know going into it that people are used to seeing something one way, it's a continuity thing more than anything. People don't like change too much. But annoyed? Eh, you just kinda accept it, it is what it is. You can't make everybody happy. You just gotta 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 Fantastic Four/Human Torch is one of my favorite characters so I'm going to give it my everything. I can't wait. I don't really let it bother me at all. I just want to go into it and do the best job I can. We'll see what happens."
Jordan was also asked why he took the role, and his answer was simple.
"The Human Torch is, y'know, that's fun. That's going to be a good time...To play a superhero? That's dreams coming true. It's not going to be hard. It's going to be fun to kind of show a side of me that I don't really get to show on screen, to be a little bit lighter, funnier, just more personality. It's going to be fun."
What do you think of Jordan's comments? Are you looking forward to the movie? Let us know in the comments below.