It was said early on aboutBlack Pantherthat the cast would be 90-percent African-American and that it would be “among the best ensembles” of any movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.Kevin Feigedefinitely set the expectations high, but he and directorRyan Cooglerseem to be delivering on those promises so far. Now it looks like yet another very encouraging actress may bejoining the castin the form of Emmy nomineePhylicia Rashad.
The potential casting didn’t come from anyone official, like Marvel Studios orRyan Coogler, but another new cast member seemingly spilled the beans.This is UsstarSterling K. Brownrecently landed a role for himself inBlack Pantherand in an interview withThe Undefeated, he named droppedPhylicia Rashad. Here is what he had to say.
“I just worked with Chad on a film called Marshall, about Thurgood Marshall. He’s such a talented human being and a deep soul. He’s the perfect personality to fully inhabitT’Challa. So, to rejoin him, and to work with Academy Award winners…to be with Michael B. Jordan after the incredible work he’s done in Creed. Danai Gurira, Phylicia Rashad, Forest Whitaker, like, it’s embarrassing.”
The Undefeated went back and retracted her name from the interview, which would seem to indicate thatSterling K. Brownwasn’t supposed to reveal thatPhylicia Rashadis going to be inBlack Panther. It is possible that he was mistaken, but that seems less likely. It also would make sense that she would be in the movie, since she worked with directorRyan Cooglerand starMichael B. Jordanpreviously onCreed. Plus, she is very much in line with the talent Marvel Studios seems to be going after forBlack Panther, which in a word is excellent.
In addition to havingChadwick Bosemanplaying the title character in the movie, who recently made an impactful debut as T’Challa inCaptain America: Civil War, Marvel is going aftertop talentwhile staying true to their word of casting heavy on the African-American side. Outside of the previously mentioned cast members,Black Pantherwill featureDanai Gurira,Forest Whitaker,Lupita Nyong’o,Angela Bassett,Florence Kasumba,Daniel KaluuyaandWinston Duke. As impressive as that list is,Martin Freemanwill also be reprising his role fromCaptain America: Civil Warand it is expected thatAndy Serkiswill be featured as Ulysses Klaw, who he played inAvengers: Age of Ultron.
It isn’t clear whoPhylicia Rashadwould be playing or how big her role would be, but having an Emmy-nominated actress who starred in projects likeThe Cosby Show,For Colored Girlsand the aforementionedCreedcan only benefitBlack Panther. The movie is supposed to be going into production soon and is easily one of the most anticipated upcoming Marvel movies at this point. So hopefullySterling K. Brownwasn’t mistaken and this turns out to be true.Black Pantheris set for release on June 09, 2025.
