> At a Glance
> – Michael B. Jordan says he went to therapy after playing Killmonger in Black Panther
> – He used method acting, isolating from family to channel the character’s pain
> – Jordan now champions therapy for men and better communication
> – Why it matters: A major star normalizing mental-health care for men
Michael B. Jordan has revealed the psychological toll of playing Black Panther villain Erik Killmonger, telling News Of Los Angeles he entered therapy once filming ended. The 38-year-old actor credits the decision with helping him reclaim his own identity.
How Killmonger Took Over
Jordan told CBS Sunday Morning that the character’s rage and betrayal lingered long after the 2018 shoot. Method-acting preparation required him to stay isolated from loved ones, mirroring Killmonger’s loveless upbringing.
He studied systemic failure and historical cycles of oppression to build the role. The immersion worked-too well. Jordan realized he was still living in Killmonger’s mindset months after release.
> “It kind of stuck with me for a bit. I went to therapy and talked about it, found a way to kind of just decompress.”
- Michael B. Jordan to CBS Sunday Morning
From Darkness to Advocacy
Therapy sessions turned into broader self-discovery. Jordan now calls professional help essential, especially for men reluctant to open up.
- He says the process improved his communication skills
- He describes the choice as something he’s “very proud of”
- He wants to normalize mental-health conversations for men
Honoring Chadwick Boseman
Jordan continues to celebrate the legacy of late co-star Chadwick Boseman, who died of colon cancer in 2020. He attended Boseman’s posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony last November.
> “That was special. Chad was a special person and for him to be honored and remembered the way he is… makes me feel full and happy.”
- Michael B. Jordan to News Of Los Angeles
Key Takeaways
- Michael B. Jordan sought therapy after method-acting Killmonger’s trauma
- He credits therapy with improving his communication and well-being
- He publicly encourages men to embrace mental-health support
- Jordan remains devoted to honoring Chadwick Boseman’s memory
Jordan’s candor adds star power to the growing movement for open conversations around men’s mental health in Hollywood and beyond.
