Michael B. Jordan Admits Playing Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’ Was So Intense He Needed Therapy

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Michael B. Jordan has revealed that playing Erik Killmonger in Black Panther impacted him profoundly, leading him to seek therapy after the movie finished filming. He recently told CBS Sunday Morning that the character stuck with him for a surprisingly long time.

You know, after filming, this role really stayed with me for a while. I actually ended up in therapy to work through it, and it really helped me learn how to disconnect and de-stress. I was realizing then just how important it is to separate myself from these intense characters and properly decompress after wrapping up a project. It was a valuable lesson in self-care, honestly.

Killmonger, the villain from the popular 2018 Marvel movie, is a character deeply affected by painful experiences, including betrayal and being abandoned. As Jordan explained, Killmonger’s anger and frustration were a result of the many betrayals he faced and the systems that failed him.

To truly embody the character of Killmonger, Jordan Booth went to great lengths, even distancing himself from his own family. He explained, “I barely spoke to my family during that time. I really tried to isolate myself and live as he would have.”

Driven by his father’s murder, this ex-Navy SEAL aims to overthrow T’Challa (played by Chadwick Boseman) and claim the throne of Wakanda. It’s revealed that his father was killed by King T’Chaka for illegally trafficking vibranium.

Jordan explained that therapy wasn’t just about getting better; it helped him understand himself better. He emphasized the importance of open communication, saying it’s been a valuable tool for him over the years in becoming a more complete and balanced person, both internally and externally. He shared that he feels no shame in seeking help and is actually proud of the progress he’s made.

The actor shared that acting feels like a personal journey of self-discovery. He strongly believes therapy is important, particularly for men, and explained what attracted him to the challenging character of Killmonger. He said playing Killmonger allowed him to explore moral ambiguity and be less rigidly defined as ‘good’ or ‘bad’.

Jordan was deeply affected by playing Killmonger, and the role impacted him on both a professional and personal level. It highlights how demanding roles can affect actors’ well-being, and the need for self-care afterward.

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2026-01-05 15:23