Djimon Hounsou Roars as the Black Panther

When the Black Panther leaps onto screens everywhere in the 2009 BET-airing animated series, the super hero protector and King of Wakanda will truly make his presence known, thanks to the vocal talents of Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou. Based directly on the BLACK PANTHER story "Who is the Black Panther?" by Reginald Hudlin and John Romita, Jr., the series recounts the origin of the iconic hero, while updating the character and his world for a new generation.

A two-time Oscar nominee for "In America" and "Blood Diamond," Hounsou has also been honored with the NAACP Image Award, National Board of Review Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Independent Spirit Award and the 2004 ShoWest Supporting Actor of the Year.

"It's a blessing for African Americans and minorities to have a super hero they can identify with," says Hounsou. "While the Black Panther is a powerful force for good, he is also a respected world leader who takes pride in his African heritage. He embodies the past and future of his culture, demonstrating the endless possibilities of an Africa that is truly free."

"BET is thrilled to have Djimon Hounsou join us as the voice of THE BLACK PANTHER," says Denys Cowan, Senior Vice President, Animation for BET Networks. "He is a talented, compelling actor who will be the perfect voice for such an important super hero in the Marvel universe and such a moment in this historic environment."

"Having Djimon Hounsou voice the lead character in this new series speaks to the power of the character and the relationship between BET and Marvel Animation," said Eric Rollman, President of Marvel Animation. "The Black Panther animated series is Marvel's entrée into prime-time animation and Djimon raises the bar for all involved as we bring the best in the animation business together to execute on that vision."

Want to get prepped for the animated series early? Read BLACK PANTHER #1-6 right now on Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited! Stay glued to Marvel.com for all your "Black Panther" animated series updates!

I hope he plays the Black Panther in a live action role.

I want him as the real BP for the new movie if they ever make one. But this is perfect casting.

Micheal Jai White, anyone?
He is an actual martial artist who can act decently.
Djimon is a much better actor though.

Originally posted by Warrior18
Micheal Jai White, anyone?
He is an actual martial artist who can act decently.
Djimon is a much better actor though.

MJW whould be great for the action but Djimon is a lot better of a actor.

Originally posted by Endrict Nuul
MJW whould be great for the action but Djimon is a lot better of a actor.

This will sound stupid, but Djimon doesn't really look like the comic illustrations of BP. Djimon is actually much darker (seriously) and has rounder features. I think MJW looks more like the comic drawings you know. Meh just a thought.

Originally posted by Warrior18
This will sound stupid, but Djimon doesn't really look like the comic illustrations of BP. Djimon is actually much darker (seriously) and has rounder features. I think MJW looks more like the comic drawings you know. Meh just a thought.

I know....and hes kinda tall. Darker? they are both from Africa.... 😕

Originally posted by Endrict Nuul
I know....and hes kinda tall. Darker? they are both from Africa.... 😕

All the Black Panther pics I have seen of him show him to be a lighter shade than Djimon. Djimon is like my dad, very black. Whereas Tchalla is like Will Smith. If that makes sense.

Originally posted by Warrior18
All the Black Panther pics I have seen of him show him to be a lighter shade than Djimon. Djimon is like my dad, very black. Whereas Tchalla is like Will Smith. If that makes sense.

Doesnt really matter, at least hes not white.

Originally posted by Endrict Nuul
Doesnt really matter, at least hes not white.

lol. True.

Originally posted by Endrict Nuul
at least hes not white.

I hope......

It's all in the accent T'challa sounds African, as does Hounsou, MJW does not. If Hounsou got the part it would be a success, not to mention the fact that Hounsou is an incredible actor, he was born for the part. As for the martial arts part, if Keanu Reeves can pull it off with hard work Hounsou, who happens to be more athletic should do just fine.

Originally posted by Stoic
It's all in the accent T'challa sounds African, as does Hounsou, MJW does not. If Hounsou got the part it would be a success, not to mention the fact that Hounsou is an incredible actor, he was born for the part. As for the martial arts part, if Keanu Reeves can pull it off with hard work Hounsou, who happens to be more athletic should do just fine.

By the way guys Africa is a very big place. It's hard to 'sound' African. 😛

They could cast a terrible white actor. You know, to offset Beyonce as Wonder Woman.

Originally posted by ragesRemorse
They could cast a terrible white actor. You know, to offset Beyonce as Wonder Woman.

Ray Park FTW....

Originally posted by Endrict Nuul
I know....and hes kinda tall. Darker? they are both from Africa.... 😕

Originally posted by Endrict Nuul
I know....and hes kinda tall. Darker? they are both from Africa.... 😕

Were you slightly unsure of Micheal Jai White's birth origins? He's not African at all.

Micheal Jai White.
Gender: Male
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Birthday: 11-10-1967

Originally posted by Stoic
Were you slightly unsure of Micheal Jai White's birth origins? He's not African at all.

Micheal Jai White.
Gender: Male
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Birthday: 11-10-1967

Originally posted by Stoic
"It's a blessing for African Americans and minorities to have a super hero they can identify with," says Hounsou.

Ah, so because he's black, black kids can identify with him? What the ****? He's the warrior, super-hero king of a fictional African country! I can't identify with Thor or something, just because I'm white...

Originally posted by Kovacs86
Ah, so because he's black, black kids can identify with him? What the ****? He's the warrior, super-hero king of a fictional African country! I can't identify with Thor or something, just because I'm white...

Originally posted by Stoic
Were you slightly unsure of Micheal Jai White's birth origins? He's not African at all.

Micheal Jai White.
Gender: Male
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Birthday: 11-10-1967

I know hes born in NYC.