News
Djimon Hounsou to Voice Black Panther
November 8, 2008
BET Networks and Marvel Animation have hired Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond) to voice to the title character in the cable network's upcoming animated series, "The Black Panther."
The series will be adapted from six issues of the Marvel comic of the same name, which were written in 2005 by director, producer (The Boondocks, House Party) and former BET president Reginald Hudlin.
"It's a blessing for African Americans and minorities to have a superhero they can identify with," said Hounsou of the character, which was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuted in 1966 in a Fantastic Four comic and later headlined his own volumes beginning in 1973.
Related Articles From Other SitesPosted by: cant think of anything on November 8, 2008 at 01:58:20
cant think of anyone better
Posted by: who? on November 8, 2008 at 01:58:51
sounds interesting
Posted by: Rob on November 8, 2008 at 02:16:52
i can see Hounsou doing the voice-over...but i just hope that since this is such a great character, people who normally wouldn't turn on BET actually tune in. I think it's a good way to not only bring back the first main-stream black hero from Marvel, but bring new viewers to this network.
Posted by: John N. on November 8, 2008 at 02:28:54
So far Marvel's animation house is not producing any quality animation, and I'm inclined to believe Black Panther will be no different. What's happened to animation today?
The last decent animated series was Justice League...where are those animators,and why has Marvel not hire these guys?
Posted by: M. Bison on November 8, 2008 at 04:03:33
Dijimon Hounsou is a brilliant African American actor I think he will be great as the animated voice for Black Panther. I loved his performance in Constantine as Papa Midnight can't wait to see more of him, Keanu Reeves, Shia Labeouf, Rachel Weitz, Tilda Swinton and Peter Stormare in the Constantine sequels.
Posted by: KRS1 Blonsky on November 8, 2008 at 04:45:04
This is going to be awesome.
Posted by: Valkor on November 8, 2008 at 06:46:42
"It's a blessing for African Americans and minorities to have a superhero they can identify with,"
Yea if your AFRICAN. Damn your eyes. I'm black not african, i can relate more to Luke Cage or even Blade then the black panther... he still kicks ass though. Oh and move the show to CN for better exposure.
Posted by: Eric Draven on November 8, 2008 at 06:57:37
Hounsou may be a fine actor, but a good actot can't save inferior animation. I, too have seen the trailer, and it just looks like they took panels from the comic and "animated" them in a very limited fashion, in Flash. If this show lasts a full season, it'll be a mercy airing, at best.
As for John N's comment of "The last decent animated series was Justice League...where are those animators, and why has Marvel not hire these guys?", most of them are still working on DC projects. Besides, Marvel's not going to spend the time and money to have a series animated overseas starring a character that's not mainstream. Hence the rational for keeping the studio local, and the animation in Flash.
Posted by: Batzarro: The Bright Peasant! on November 8, 2008 at 07:29:14
Well, well, well, they got "the only" African in entertainment to play Black Panther. Didn't see that one coming!
Seriously, though, I wish I could see it. Damn basic cable!
Posted by: Jamal19 on November 8, 2008 at 08:45:50
I'm really liking this show more and more, (I was worried that the crappy teaser was actua in-show footage. Yikes!)
Hopefully Black Panther can get enough exposure from this to justify his inclusion in the upcoming Avengers flick.
Posted by: Gambit on November 8, 2008 at 08:53:47
Jamal19 there are enough characters in the upcoming Avengers film already, why include a non-avenger especially one that one gives a rats ass about?
Sides it'll already have at least one black character Rhodey aka War Machine and that's more than enough. Sure he'll probably be a minor character but for a first film that already has a huge cast we don't need to add more to it. Save the budget for the action sequences, damn it. :/
Posted by: Shayera on November 8, 2008 at 09:24:17
Gambit,
T'Challa was an Avenger when Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, the Vision, and Black Widow joined.
One black character is enough? What planet are you from?
Posted by: Methos on November 8, 2008 at 10:30:10
I still have not heard a release date on this. Anyone know when?
Posted by: Valkor on November 8, 2008 at 10:54:07
watwoudscooydoo - question: how does a black superhero called the black panther, who is from Africa... just happen to be black??? Sorry I just thought that was really funny (also I'm channeling the spirit of George Carlin). But I disagree I'd rather not give BET any viewership on this. streaming video here I come.
Posted by: Enigmatic Man on November 8, 2008 at 10:56:34
The Black Panther might not be somebody African Americans can relate to especially if the cartoon takes place all in Africa. I have not seen or heard of the general plot of the cartoon. Will he be "coming to America" like he did in the comics when he joined the Avengers? If so there would be more opportunities to have other black heroes like Luke Cage or Blade in the series.
I will definitely be on the look out and give it a try, and if it is bad animation like the Spectacular Spiderman I will stop watching.
I don't understand the comments people are making about how there only needs to be 1 or 2 black heroes in a movie or in real life. Just because our president is black doesn't mean we need no other black role models. Our sports figures sure cannot be counted on to look up to.
Posted by: Vaportrail on November 8, 2008 at 11:22:40
I think when it comes to the Avengers film, this guy should actually BE the Black Panther, rather than just a voice.
It just fits.
Posted by: Dane Shobe on November 8, 2008 at 11:55:23
Okay, Gambit? Seriously. Step outside your box, because that was one of the most condescending, ignorant, and flat out racist comments anyone has ever made here.
The Black Panther is a great character, and they chose the perfect voice for him, but the animation of the show looked horrible. I'd rather Djimon play him in a live action movie.
Posted by: Drunken Monk on November 8, 2008 at 13:04:10
"Sides it'll already have at least one black character Rhodey aka War Machine and that's more than enough."
Gambit it must be hard as hell to be a racist prick and not be able to admit it to yourself...
"I'm black and how in the world I'm going to relate to a superhero from Africa? I'm American not African, I never lived in a hut, and I wear designer clothes and carry a pistol, not a loin clothes and spear."
It's sad that so many of you seem to think that all Africans are black and walk around living in mud huts and chucking spears at random animals. The world is a lot bigger than your own little house of ignorance, you should really read a book every now and then and get off of xbox...
Posted by: jrobert on November 8, 2008 at 13:35:06
I wanted to comment on this topic and on the post by Dan(in that order).First,Djimon Hounsou shouldn`t just be voicing the Black Panther,he should be playing T`Challa ,Warrior King of Wakanda and one of the smartest characters in the Marvel Universe in a live-action movie.Hounsou`s actually from Africa(Benin to be exact) and he possesses this almost regal quality about himself.Even Redbelt`s Chiwetel Ejiofor could work as Black Panther in a movie(but thank God Wesley Snipes never played him,he doesn`t have to play mutiple black Superheroes just because he`s black,different individuals of the same race will work for Superheroes of the same race who are different).
As for Dan`s post about a Black President coming into office and BET still
not being satisfied about positive
role models for the kids I agree with him
about it being confusing.But than consider BET itself.
Here is a network that never shows
any specials on positive examples of accomplished black people,like Fredrick Douglas,Dr.King,Malcolm X,Harriet Tubman,Matthew Henson the first black artic explorer or any specials on black astronomers,astro-physicists,doctors and lawyers.Even though they`ll show specials on black gangsters and notorious drug gangs and of course they`ll show generic rap videos with half-naked girls in bikinis shaking their asses.To BET,it doesn`t matter that the fact that a Black President is taking office
can help change the way black kids(and kids of all races)view themselves (especially when so
many black Superheroes and role models for the youth have been steeped in stereotypes).This animated series shouldn`t be made,a live-action Black Panther movie is what the fans
need and it`s long overdue.
Posted by: Darkman on November 8, 2008 at 13:52:07
I just had a professor tell me something interesting about the whole African American thing. It doesn't make sense to be called African American. Do we call Italians European Americans? Or Chinese, Asian Americans? This is a nit picky society, so someone would think this would come up a bit more. Ever since he said that I've been wondering. In Obama's case, it makes sense. We know what part of Africa he's related to. But to other "African Americans" out there: Do any of you know what part of Africa your heritage comes from? As for the Black Panther cartoon, it's great. Finally there's a black superhero without something defective in him. For example: Spawn is about a black guy that was killed in action, who did a lot of bad stuff for his country, and got sent to hell. IMO, that wasn't the best way to represent Black people. Blade, although cool as he is, only comes out night to fight evil. The Black Panther is really cool because, not only does he have his own kingdom, it's a really advanced kingdom. And he's got a super cool suit to deal with crime and terrorism. And the fact that he came come out in broad daylight and do his superhero stuff. He's kind of like Ironman(hi-tech suit) and Captain America(patriotic, a well conditioned fighter and fights for his country) and Dr. Doom without the evil. That's a hell of a combination to represent a continent.
Posted by: D-MAN on November 8, 2008 at 14:20:24
Djimon Hounsou looks and talks like the Black Panther.If Marvel ever makes a movie on this character thats who should play him.Wesley Snipes is and should always stay as BLADE.If it was'nt for Blade.Hollywood would of never took Comic-book heroes seriously.The old Batman and Superman movies where starting to be too cheesy.So in my opinion the first Blade movie.Is what opened the door for all Superhero movies to be taking seriously.Go Black Panther.
Posted by: Adam Krowsko on November 8, 2008 at 14:51:25
what bothers me is, marvel was quick to throw this series directly to BET because the superhero is "black"? what's wrong with it being on spike tv or adult swim? boondocks, avatar, afro samurai and naruto got respectable treatment.
i mean, how many animated series appear on bet? name at least 5, somebody.
Posted by: LukeJazzStone on November 8, 2008 at 15:04:23
I agree that this is a step in the right direction towards giving children another possitive black hero to look up too(too few are shown) and this is the time to do it. why stop there? Djimon is in great shape and carries himself well(as a king as a earlier post put it). so why not make him the live action virsion too? have him at least do a cameo with sam jackson's "nick" in Iron man too! WarMachine can see their are other brothas out there being heroic. Plus if the fans like the look it they can make a movie. Ironman travels to so many countries anyway dealing with the ten-rings organization, they can make one attempting to harm the black panther's kingdom. plus imaging Robert Downey, Sam Jackson, Don Cheetle, Djimon Hounsou, and a army of villainy. there's your story (if u hint a mandrin set-up), action packed hero fights, starpower, and female draw all in one package. throw in pepper and Tony's relationship strained while tony flirts with african a princess, or Roads and Fury involved with some and all aspects are covered. black panther could even help tony get some tech ideas for villains with armors or supirior strength(hulkbuster suit)while learning the secret of the ten-ring terrorist groups. What better way to best a blockbuster film then with the first SUCCESSFUL crossover film. and Iroman won't be lost in the action, he'll be in the front showing how amazing he is. However, he will be meeting allies and making foriegn alliences (which he is known for). they can start showing tony's drinking problem towards the end causing rhoads to dawn the suit in his stead. this sets up Ironman 3 with warmachine and ironman vs mandrin, dynamo, etc. as a part time avenger! Why can't marvel and black panther benefit here?
Posted by: Ashelia27 on November 8, 2008 at 15:32:39
i think if they were every to make a live action film for the Black Panther would be the ONLY CHOICE
Posted by: Nowhere Man on November 8, 2008 at 15:58:55
And as positive as Black Panther is, hasn't he sometimes been portrayed as a spy within the Avengers?
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