If you weren’t aware, there is a new Fantastic Four film coming out this summer. By all accounts (and certainly by previous output), it will suck. But it will not be because of race.
Michael B. Jordan plays the Human Torch (aka The Flamer) in the newest adaptation of Marvel’s iconic comic series that so far has registered a big fat zero on the interest scale of Puck’s movie watching. This one was really no different, not for race or changing of the villain to a blogger or anything of that nature, but because I don’t really care.
Some people really do care though.
In case you have never seen Chronicle, Jordan is black. The Human Torch in his comic form is white. This has apparently caused much consternation for people.
On one hand no doubt, you have comic book purists who would would rather flamboyantly set themselves on fire than have any deviation from their precious source material. They are idiots and lonely and have nothing to hang to other than seeing big screen adventures of small scale comics to their expectations, everyone else be damned.
On the other hand though, you have racists. And racists suck.
Jordan has seemed to take the criticism in stride much to his benefit. Because for either of these groups there is nothing to satisfy their supremely important need to have a role in a film filled by an actor of a particular color. And Jordan has the right idea.
Screw them.
We are knee-deep in comic-book adaptions at this point that bring big box office but also bring much to do about a dropped story line or lack of characterization or whatever the case may be. If Quicksilver or the Scarlet Witch don’t have enough screen-time, someone is upset. If Batman acts out of character, it’s not genuine and it should be thrown on the fire like that damn Catwoman movie from yore.
Unlike original ideas with no preconceived notions, adaptations have those notions loaded on by the truckload for “fans” to complain about when their expectations aren’t met.
But Jordan is a black actor. He is playing a role that was previously (in print and film) played by a caucasian which for some reason automatically disregards anything new and fresh that might be brought to the role and this lackluster franchise to begin with.
Fandom is interesting. But it can also be damaging, hurtful, and just plain stupid. Let me be clear. I believe the new Fantastic Four movie will be lousy because that property does not seem to translate well to cinema. Will it be because of Jordan? From what I’ve seen, not at all.
But regardless, I implore to anyone who is a fervent fan of Fantastic Four, don’t blame your series shortcomings on one actor you happened to pick out.
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