'Fantastic Four' 2015 Cast Member Michael B. Jordan Responds To Racial Backlash

Comparatively little is known about the cinematic reboot of the “Fantastic Four” coming this summer other than it will put a modern spin on one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic team of superheroes. Unfortunately, not every fan is yet on board with the new take on the team, particularly the casting of a black actor to play Johnny Storm.

When the cast members of the new team were revealed several months ago, many fans of the comic-book source material were surprised that Johnny Storm, aka The Human Torch, would be played by “Friday Night Lights” star Michael B. Jordan, a black man. Interestingly enough, his sister and teammate, Sue Storm, will be played by “House of Cards” actress Kate Mara, a white woman.

Apparently, the racial acknowledgement was so widespread that it finally prompted Jordan to respond to critics of his casting as the legendary superhero. In a lengthy Entertainment Weekly blog post, the 28-year-old actor expressed his frustration with those who can’t see past his race to the movie.

“It used to bother me, but it doesn’t anymore,” Jordan wrote. “I can see everybody’s perspective, and I know I can’t ask the audience to forget 50 years of comic books. But the world is a little more diverse in 2015 than when the ‘Fantastic Four’ comic first came out in 1961. Plus, if Stan Lee writes an email to my director saying, “You’re good. I’m OK with this,” who am I to go against that?”

The actor later went on to explain his relationship to Mara’s character by revealing that the Sue Storm in this film is his adopted sister. This explains the casting of the Storm siblings and their father, Dr. Franklin Storm (Reg E. Cathey).

For those unfamiliar with the project, the new “Fantastic Four” flick, directed by Josh Trank, will feature Johnny, Sue, Reed Richards (Miles Teller), Ben Grimm (Jamie Bell) and Victor Domashev (Toby Kebbell). As CinemaBlend noted, we know precious little about the last name on the list, the movie’s principal villain.

However, a rundown of each of the main four superhero’s powers was released via a promotional video hosted by MovieTickets.com. It can be viewed below, and it shows brand-new footage of Jordan flaming on as well as how his super suit will work in the film. Check out the promo in preparation for the “Fantastic Four” reboot, coming Aug. 7.