Will Smith’s Desire to Portray a Superhero Could be Satisfied in Black Panther 3
Will Smith has expressed his desire to portray a superhero that embodies “Black excellence” on-screen. With the confirmation of Black Panther 3, there is a possibility that Smith could finally get his chance to play a superhero. The film has already cast Hollywood royalty like Denzel Washington, and Smith could be another illustrious addition to the cast.
Smith has previously stated that he wants to avoid making movies about slavery and instead wants to depict a superhero. He has already starred in two superhero movies, Hancock and Suicide Squad, but neither of these roles count as the kind of superhero he has in mind.
I believe that Smith could play the role of Bashenga, the original Black Panther, in Black Panther 3. Bashenga is introduced in the opening scenes of the first Black Panther film as the first Wakandan to ingest the heart-shaped herb, which gives him his powers. This role would fit Smith’s desire to portray a Black superhero that embodies Black excellence perfectly.
Casting Smith in Black Panther 3 would also stack the cast with high-profile actors, making it one of the MCU’s biggest upcoming movies. However, whether Marvel Studios is willing to pay up for two such high-profile actors is another matter.
Without confirmation from Marvel Studios on who might be joining Denzel Washington in Black Panther 3, Smith’s possible involvement is still a matter of speculation. However, I believe that Black Panther 3 could provide a golden opportunity for Smith to portray a hero that embodies “Black excellence.”