Michael B. Jordan, who starred in Fox’s surprise hit Chronicle last year, is reportedly being considered for the role of the Human Torch in the studio’s Fantastic Four reboot. If he lands the role, he will become one of the rare black actors to take a leading role in a Hollywood comic book blockbuster.
The Wrap broke the news today, reporting that he has met with Fox several times this week. He also developed a good relationship with Chronicle director Josh Trank, who was hired to helm Fantastic Four.
Jordan is earning buzz around Hollywood not only because of his performance in Chronicle, but also for Fruitvale Station, a film that earned rave reviews from Sundance. He also appeared on Friday Night Lights and Parenthood.
If Jordan gets cast, it will be a major change to the character, since he has always been portrayed as white since the superhero team was created. His character, Johnny Storm, is also the brother of Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman. Earlier this week, it was rumored that Girls’ Allison Williams is among the actresses Fox is looking at for that part.
Fantastic Four is scheduled for a March 6, 2015 release date and Jeremy Slater is writing the script with Seth Grahame-Smith. Production will probably have to get off started by the fall, since a long post-production process will be necessary for an effects-heavy film.