Summary

Damson Idris's performance in F1 has wowed critics.
As an actor, Idris possesses essential T'Challa traits.
Should Marvel get around to bringing T'Challa back in some form, Idris would be perfect as Black Panther.

Damson Idris (Snowfall) recently let it slip in an interview that he may have been approached about accepting the role of Black Panther for Ryan Coogler's next entry into the MCU, and that he is interested in playing the character. Idris has both the acting chops and the looks to play T'Challa in the MCU following Chadwick Boseman's untimely death. His looks include more than just his physical appearance, as well, seeing that a considerable number of reviews for the upcoming F1 blockbuster have cited Idris' icy resolve and self-assured glances, praising his subtlety alongside Brad Pitt, the king of relaxed delivery.

These qualities are essential to the hero of Wakanda, and Idris' reported success in one of the biggest films of the year, alongside possibly the biggest movie star of a generation, might tip the T'Challa casting scale in his favor. If it hasn't yet, it should, because Idris looks, and surely acts, the part. Marvel should strike while the iron's hot with Idris.

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By Matthew Wilkinson

Critics Love Damson Idris's Performance in F1

Word on the street is Idris holds his own against Brad Pitt in F1, according to early reviews of the movie. Screen Rant said Idris' assuredness rivaled Pitt's, which is extremely high praise, given that Brad Pitt has been honing his craft at the top of Hollywood's call sheet for decades, and he has built a brand on being intensely self-assured.

Reviewer Mae Abdubalki also said that Idris elevated the material, saying he employed subtle techniques which included tricks such as "well-timed looks." These can communicate volumes without words and demonstrate a solid understanding of the socially reserved character - something Boseman did expertly with a Black Panther character who fits the same description.

The Hollywood Reporter describes Idris' character as having "robust characterization" in the film. The reviewer, Lovia Gyarkye, said Joshua, the character Idris plays in F1, "possesses a confidence that borders on brash." The reviewer went on to say Idris "channels [the] subtler elements of his character’s personality with a performance that relies on understated physicality and softer facial expression." Brashness aside, these characteristics are intrinsic to the demands of playing T'Challa as portrayed in Coogler's Black Panther.

The common thread in many of these reviews is Idris's cool, reserved, and tactful delivery. The more reviewers write about Damson Idris' mastery of subtlety and self-esteem, the more it seems as if Kevin Feige couldn't possibly find a better current star at the ready to play T'Challa.

The Playlist said Damson Idris is "excellent" in the film and "bound for superstardom." Rodrigo Perez was rather emphatic about his belief in Idris as a star in the making. He later wrote that "Idris goes toe to toe with Pitt and gives as good as he gets, which is more than enough." It appears here that Perez is suggesting Idris possibly matched Pitt's star power for a notable portion of the film, which, even if it is hyperbole, is exalting praise that further supports Idris as a top prospect to assume one of the most prized roles in the MCU.

Now Is The Best Time For Marvel To Secure Damson Idris

F1 is releasing soon alongside glowing critical reviews, with an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and Idris's IMDB page only lists three upcoming projects for the budding movie star, one of which is a video game role. Another is a young adult film due out in 2027, and there's also an undated Miles Davis film on the way at some point.

With so much room in his calendar, it would be the perfect time for Marvel Studios to start reaching out to the young actor about a future in the MCU. It seems like Idris' schedule might be open enough to make room for Marvel's third Black Panther film. If Kevin Feige is savvy, which he sometimes is, he will pick up Idris right now, after being knighted by Brad Pitt, to hopefully be crowned by Wakanda.

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