Michael B. Jordan Sought Therapy After Portraying ‘Black Panther’ Villain

Michael B. Jordan is candidly discussing his experiences with therapy following his role as Erik Killmonger in the 2018 blockbuster, Black Panther. In a recent interview on CBS Sunday Morning, he highlighted the emotional toll of deeply engaging with the character.

Therapy and Character Immersion

Jordan revealed that the character’s heavy themes left a lasting impression on him. “After the movie, it kind of stuck with me for a bit,” he shared. This led him to seek therapy as a way to decompress and process his intense involvement in the role. He emphasized that there is no established guide for coping with such experiences.

Learning to Decompress

Reflecting on his journey, Jordan noted that acting often feels like a solitary endeavor. He stated that, “Acting is a solo journey a lot of times,” highlighting the individual nature of preparation. He recognized the importance of addressing emotional residues after embodying Killmonger.

Isolation during Preparation

While preparing for the role, Jordan stressed the need for prolonged focus, which involved isolating himself from friends and family. This deep dive into the character allowed him to fully understand Erik’s struggles.

Understanding Erik Killmonger

Jordan explained that Killmonger’s character was shaped by betrayal and a lack of love. “He didn’t experience that,” he said, referring to Erik’s tumultuous background. This exploration into the character’s psychology helped Jordan grasp the deeper issues of anger and societal failure.

Impact of Black Panther

Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler and featuring Chadwick Boseman, tells the story of T’Challa, the heir to the advanced kingdom of Wakanda. The film was a massive success, grossing $1.349 billion globally and winning three Oscars. Its success led to a sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, released in 2022.