Everything I do has a purpose: Michael Jordan
Black Panther star Michael B Jordan says he looks at his career like a game of chess where every move he makes contributes to turning Hollywood into a more diverse place for artists from across the globe. Jordan has established himself as one of the most popular contemporary actors courtesy of his drama Fruitvale Station, Marvel Studios' blockbuster hit Black Panther, and Without Remorse.
Jordan made his acting debut in 1999
The 34-year-old actor, who made his foray into acting in 1999 with appearances in TV shows Cosby and The Sopranos, had a career breakthrough in 2013 when he starred as the shooting victim Oscar Grant in filmmaker Ryan Coogler's directorial debut Fruitvale Station.
Jordan launched his banner to highlight diverse stories, voices
Jordan said that his initial goal was to become an influential voice that can bring about some change. "I was just trying to strategize to get into a position where I could have my own production company," Jordan said. Creed (2015) solidified his standing in the business, prompting him to launch his banner Outlier Society with a goal to highlight diverse stories and voices.
Jordan's choices are driven by reasons close to his heart
"Now having that (company) for the past five years, it was about growing that banner, building the brand of a leading man. Telling stories that need to be told, because that's where I come from," Jordan said. Jordan asserted that every choice he makes as an actor or a producer is driven by reasons close to his heart.
Film's backed by Jordan's production company have inclusion riders
"It's different. Each project has its own set of reasons why I do them. Everything I do has a purpose and a reason," Jordan said. In 2018, the actor announced that he would be adopting inclusion riders on all the films backed by his production banner in a bid to promote women and people of color.
'I am using celebrity position to bring about some change'
As an artist of color, Jordan said that it is his duty to support others in the industry. "There are always going to be some issues. I'm just trying to do my part and use the celebrity position that I've and bring about some change as well as take some steps in the right direction," Jordan said.
Many big banners trying to ensure gender, racial diversity: Jordan
Calling the inclusion rider a step toward accountability, the actor-producer said that he is happy that many big banners, including Warner Bros, have implemented such clauses and are trying to ensure gender as well as racial diversity in the cast and crew.
I love working in adrenaline-packed flicks: Jordan
While promoting diversity is one of his main goals, Jordan said that his movie choices are also governed by a "fanboy" in him, who loves action, boxing, superhero, and sci-fi stories. "I'm a guy that likes those adrenaline-packed things, that I want to be able to tell those stories also, and it's about finding a balance," he added.
'Without remorse' is based on novel's action hero John Clark
His latest movie, Without Remorse, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 30, is a step in the same direction. The film, directed by Stefano Sollima, is based on renowned author Tom Clancy's novel's action hero character John Clark. Without Remorse features Jordan as John Clark aka John Kelly. The film also stars Jodie Turner-Smith and Jamie Bell.
