At a Glance
- Michael B. Jordan sought therapy after portraying Erik Killmonger in Black Panther
- The 38-year-old actor revealed the character “stuck with me for a bit” longer than expected
- Jordan now advocates therapy as “necessary for people, especially men”
- Why it matters: His openness challenges stigma around mental health in Hollywood and encourages broader conversations
Playing Marvel’s Killmonger left Michael B. Jordan grappling with lingering emotional weight, prompting him to seek professional help and discover therapy’s broader benefits.
The Role That Triggered Change
Jordan told CBS Sunday Morning on January 4 that the villainous role lingered after filming ended. “Yes, it kind of stuck with me for a bit,” he admitted. “And, you know, went to therapy and talked about it.”
He explained that decompressing from characters was still a learning process. Therapy spiraled into “a bigger conversation and self-discovery.”
Advocacy for Mental Health
Jordan now champions therapy accessibility:
- Calls it “necessary for people”
- Emphasizes importance “especially for men”
- Proudly states he’s “not ashamed at all”
> “I think it’s good for them to go and talk,” Jordan stated. “That’s something I’m not ashamed of at all, and very proud of.”
He credits therapy for improving his communication skills and personal growth.
Previous Therapy Experience
This wasn’t Jordan’s first on-set therapeutic experience. Tessa Thompson, his Creed III co-star, revealed they attended couple’s therapy together to prepare for their roles as spouses.
> “The line sometimes between character and us get blurred,” Thompson told Refinery29. “We bring so much of what we’re exploring personally to the characters.”
Their sessions began as character work but evolved into personal reflection about their own relationships across the nine-year film series.
Career Focus Over Family Planning
In February 2025, Jordan told GQ he’s delayed fatherhood to prioritize career goals. While wanting to be “the best dad” eventually, he acknowledged his current focus remains on professional achievements.
> “Like, my dad had two kids at this age,” he reflected. “But you got to realize, the time you do put in, you’re building something solid.”
Jordan currently generates Oscar buzz for his dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack in 2025’s Sinners.
Key Takeaways
- Jordan’s vulnerability about therapy usage normalizes mental health discussions
- His experience demonstrates how immersive roles can impact actors beyond filming
- The actor’s advocacy specifically targets men’s mental health stigma
- Jordan balances career ambitions with future family planning goals
His journey from struggling with a complex character to becoming a therapy advocate illustrates the profound impact of prioritizing mental wellness in high-pressure entertainment careers.
