Michael B. Jordan talks 'Fantastic Four' casting controversy

Michael B. Jordan has been all over the place lately, not totally unexpected after his lead role in Fruitvale Station helped the film earn two major awards at Sundance, pegging him as a future star. It's also given him the chance to show more of his outgoing personality and sense of humor, two things he may be relying on after rumors surfaced that he could be up for the role of Johnny Storm in a Fantastic Four reboot helmed by his Chronicle director, Josh Trank.  As expected, the usual uproar went up from those upset at the notion of an African-American taking on a role that has traditionally been Caucasian. Jordan seems to be taking it all in stride, though....

Jordan: "Things change and time goes on, it’s 2013 right now. The characteristics of the Human Torch are his name is Johnny Storm, he’s charismatic, and he’s a playboy. That’s it. You know what I’m saying? That’s all there is."

It's the right approach to take, as there's no good reason why Storm has to portrayed as white. The only potential source for confusion comes from the potential casting of Allison Williams (Girls) as Susan Storm. But as Jordan says, "it's 2013", and mixed-race families are a natural part of life, so this could easily be explained if Trank and screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith intend to go that route.

Comics have been fairly progressive in playing with the racial dynamics of their biggest superheroes. Spider-Man is arguably Marvel's most important character, and yet they were willing to introduce a new African-American version named Miles Morales. On the big screen we've seen a black Nick Fury played by Samuel L. Jackson, and a couple of years ago the Internet briefly set ablaze at the idea of Idris Elba playing Norse god, Heimdall. The same folks who cried then are likely the ones bawling now over Jordan. Because somehow, all-powerful deities who guard rainbow bridges is more believable than one of them being black. Say wha!?

As for whether he's actually been cast in the role, Jordan was quick to stamp down the rumors during his chat with USA Today....

Jordan: "Nothing is real. Everyone knows we're (he and Josh Trank) good friends. It's something that if it happened I would be ecstatic. I'd love to be a part of it."

Fantastic Four is set for March 6th 2015, but first Jordan takes a stab at an Oscar when Fruitvale Station opens on July 16th.