Antoine Fuqua, recognized for his work on films such as Training Day and The Equalizer, reportedly would have chosen Denzel Washington if given the opportunity to direct Black Panther.
Before Ryan Coogler took the reins of the highly successful Black Panther film, there was a moment when Antoine Fuqua’s potential involvement was being considered. Fuqua, known for his gritty and intense filmmaking style, could have offered a distinct interpretation of the Panther character on screen.
While Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther ultimately became a worldwide sensation, Fuqua’s version, conceived before Marvel Studios finalized its direction for the character, could have provided a compelling exploration of the superhero from a different perspective. Additionally, Fuqua would have selected an Oscar-winning actor to portray the King of Wakanda.
Antoine Fuqua expressed his desire to cast Denzel Washington in his envisioned Black Panther film.
Fuqua’s interpretation of a Black Panther movie would have likely diverged significantly from the vibrant and fantastical world depicted by Coogler. Rooted in his trademark gritty realism, Fuqua’s vision might have offered a unique and intense portrayal of the iconic superhero.
In an interview on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Fuqua reflected on the possibility of directing Black Panther:
“I think God has a path for us all. You know, there was a lot of talk a while ago about me doing Black Panther, but that was way before it was popular to be black in Hollywood. And, you know, the cartoon version of it wasn’t appealing to me. You know, I just grew up watching Apocalypse Now and Goodfellas and Mean Streets and those type of films. I like things a little more gritty and grounded. I believe that opportunity wasn’t missed. ‘Cause it wasn’t for me. It was for Ryan Coogler. And Ryan killed it.”
Fuqua also disclosed his potential casting choices for Black Panther, which included acclaimed actors like Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Wesley Snipes, and Will Smith.
“With the right script, absolutely! As for casting, I’d always go straight for Denzel, if you’re talking about a certain type of character,” Fuqua stated in a 2013 interview with The Urban Daily. “Jamie Foxx, Wesley Snipes, Will Smith – we’ve got a handful of guys who are very powerful actors. We have lots of talented African-American actors we’ve never even heard of.”
Black Panther achieved massive commercial success, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide and becoming the ninth-highest-grossing movie at the time of its release.
Denzel Washington’s emotional reaction to Black Panther extended beyond simple admiration. He expressed a profound connection to the film, likening it to witnessing the realization of his own dreams through the young actors on screen. The Training Day star shared his sentiments:
“I said man, look at these young boys man, and I actually just started, I was whew. You know, Sidney, to now? And I’m in the gap — and me and many others – are in the gap, but it was like, man. I felt like the third leg of the relay race. Like, here, go. Now, I ran behind them – I’m still running. But I was like, man, they gone. They’re gone.” (Via Cinema Blend).
