Michael B. Jordan says one role pushed him to seek therapy

Michael B. Jordan says playing Erik Killmonger in 2018’s Black Panther had a long-lasting impact on him.

Speaking to CBS Sunday Morning, Jordan revealed that the role affected him long after filming wrapped, to the point where he felt the need to seek professional help.

“It kind of stuck with me for a bit,” the 38-year-old actor said, explaining that he turned to therapy to learn how to decompress from the character.

Jordan, currently enjoying one of the most critically acclaimed phases of his career, went on to say that the experience sparked a deeper realisation about how rarely men, in particular, are encouraged to talk openly about their mental health. Choosing therapy helped him become more self-aware and a better communicator, both personally and professionally.

“That’s something I’m not ashamed of at all, and very proud of,” he said.

The actor’s comments come as he continues his long-running collaboration with director Ryan Coogler, which began with Fruitvale Station (2013) and continued through Creed and Black Panther. 

Their latest project, Sinners, sees Jordan take on dual roles as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, a challenge he admitted initially triggered anxiety along with excitement.