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Michael B. Jordan on Career, Black Panther, and Defining Success

OWNOctober 20, 202441 min85,442 views
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Exceeding Dreams and Recalibrating Goals

  • πŸ’‘ Michael B. Jordan reflects that his career has exceeded his dreams, prompting him to recalibrate his goals.
  • 🎯 He notes that early in his career, fame often outpaced financial stability, leading to people assuming he was wealthier than he was.
  • πŸ’° The perceived financial status increased with his success, with requests for money escalating significantly over time.

Career Turning Points and Collaborations

  • πŸš€ Fruitvale Station was a pivotal moment, allowing him to prove his ability to lead a film.
  • 🀝 His collaboration with director Ryan Coogler is described as a brotherhood built on trust and shared vision.
  • 🎬 Prior to filming Fruitvale Station, Coogler had already pitched the idea for Creed, showcasing their early and deep trust.

Navigating Race and Representation in Hollywood

  • 🎭 Jordan viewed himself as a Trojan Horse, aiming to infiltrate and open doors for others in the industry.
  • ✊ He initially sought roles written for white actors, wanting to prove he could perform any part regardless of race in the breakdown.
  • πŸ—£οΈ He emphasizes that what you say no to is as important as what you say yes to, advocating for strategic career moves.

The Impact of Black Panther and Cultural Significance

  • 🌍 The global success of Black Panther was inspiring, making him feel part of something larger than himself.
  • ✨ The film provided a chance for generations to dream and see themselves in ways they hadn't imagined.
  • πŸ† While an Oscar nomination would be great, he feels the film has already won due to its cultural impact and industry influence.

Personal Growth, Spirituality, and Parenting

  • 🧘 Jordan uses meditation and prayer to stay centered amidst a demanding career, acknowledging the blurring effect of constant travel.
  • πŸ™ He believes his success is largely due to being prayed up and acts as a vessel for greater things.
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ He credits his father for instilling a strong work ethic and his mother for his humanity and empathy.

Defining Success and Future Aspirations

  • 🌟 Jordan is working on reinvesting in himself and taking care of himself, having previously put himself last.
  • πŸ’‘ He has a vision for the future, often daydreaming and reverse-engineering steps to achieve his goals.
  • 🏒 His company, Outlier, was named after Malcolm Gladwell's book, aiming to represent those who feel like outsiders and to promote inclusion.
  • 🎬 He is committed to using his platform to create opportunities for underrepresented talent, incorporating an inclusion rider into his deals.
  • βš–οΈ Playing Bryan Stevenson in 'Just Mercy' presented a unique challenge due to the pressure of portraying a beloved real-life figure accurately.
  • 🌍 He believes true fulfillment comes from fulfilling the truest highest expression of oneself, a journey he is still actively pursuing.
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What’s Discussed

Michael B. JordanSuper Soul SundayOprah WinfreyBlack PantherKillmongerCreedFruitvale StationRyan CooglerHollywoodActing CareerRepresentation in MediaInclusion RiderOutlier ProductionsJust MercyBryan Stevenson
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