What if the hardest part of playing a villain is walking away from him? Michael B. Jordan says one role refused to let go long after the credits rolled.
After bringing Erik Killmonger to life in Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan found himself in a therapist’s office, sorting through what the character left behind. His candid account on CBS Sunday Morning pulls back the curtain on how deep immersion can blur the line between role and self. The conversation arrives as he teams again with Ryan Coogler on Sinners, a project that forced him to police his own headspace while playing two characters. Beyond one star’s journey, it’s a window into the hidden costs of chasing authenticity and the support systems that keep artists steady.
Michael B. Jordan’s journey to healing after Black Panther
There’s no denying the profound impact certain roles can have on actors. For Michael B. Jordan, portraying the deeply troubled and complex Erik Killmonger in Black Panther was transformative, but also emotionally draining. The intensity of the character pushed him to seek therapy, and, as he has explained in interviews, it became a necessary step to rediscover his own sense of balance.
The psychological toll of becoming Erik Killmonger
Michael B. Jordan is known for his commitment to roles, often immersing himself fully into the lives of his characters. However, his preparation for Killmonger was uniquely challenging. He has shared that he leaned into isolation, embodying Killmonger’s anger and pain to the point where the lines between himself and his character blurred. It is no surprise that stepping out of such an all-consuming role proved almost as difficult as stepping into it.
After the role, he acknowledged feeling changed. Therapy helped him process not only the emotions tied to the character but also deeper, personal reflections that surfaced during his time as Killmonger. It was a powerful lesson in recognizing the toll that both art and ambition can take on mental well-being.
Creating boundaries as an artist
For Jordan, seeking therapy was not simply about leaving Killmonger behind, it was also about understanding how deeply his roles influenced his identity. The actor has spoken about the emotional strain of using personal experiences to inform his characters, a technique many actors rely on. While it fosters authentic performances, it can also be emotionally draining, especially when the character is as tumultuous as Killmonger.
This was not the first time Jordan faced such challenges. Reflecting on demanding recent work, including Creed III where he made his directing debut while starring, he has discussed the heightened emotional effort required to balance creative leadership with performance. That experience underscored the importance of boundaries, preparation, and self-care to maintain both craft and clarity.
The art of acting and its realities
Acting is often romanticized, but Jordan’s story is a reminder of its more challenging aspects. The commitment to embodying another person’s pain, joy, and complexity can leave an actor susceptible to emotional fatigue. Unlike many professions, actors often draw on deeply personal emotions to achieve authenticity, which can leave them raw and exposed.
It is heartening to see figures like Jordan openly acknowledge their struggles and champion mental health resources. He has become an advocate for therapy not only for actors but for anyone in high-pressure fields, reframing vulnerability as a form of strength and professional responsibility.
A graceful evolution
As Michael B. Jordan continues his rise through Hollywood, his honesty about the challenges of his craft feels refreshing. Therapy has played a pivotal role in helping him navigate the complexities of his profession, offering a space to recalibrate. His journey highlights the enduring strength found in seeking help, no matter how accomplished someone may appear.