Read my Forest Whitaker interview for the Black Panther movie to get the scoop on this character “Zuri” and how he was able to master this spiritual role.
I have been sharing a lot of coverage for the BLACK PANTHER movie, it’s out in theaters February 16 and I can’t wait for you all to see it! We got a chance to chat with Forest Whitaker, and I KNOW you already know who he is! Whitaker, a very soft spoken, humble man, answered a few questions about his role in Marvel’s Black Panther movie. His character “Zuri” is a spiritual figure to all of the tribes in Wakanda, and he embodies a sense of the kind of nation that Wakanda is and has been. Already a notable actor, his first appearance in a Marvel movie has been a special one.
Forest Whitaker Interview for Black Panther – Mastering His Role In His First Marvel Film
Whitaker is able to master peaceful, calm performances time and time again. He does the same with Zuri in this movie, a trusted friend of King T’Chaka who is the father of T’Challa, and is trusted and respected as a wise elder of Wakanda. Whitaker says, “I think it’s just trying to have the right thoughts and internal life when all of that is going on. Hopefully, an audience will be able to feel what I’m thinking, and what’s going on inside, you know. That’s kind of what I do, just to figure out what I feel, what I think.” He does a fabulous job, because we definitely do feel his character. He makes it so believable!
When Forest prepares for a role, he says that he does extensive research about it. “I do the research and I start to study the different people and the things that they do and meet different people and get different voices worked on. Then slowly it just comes together. I don’t know if there’s a magic formula. At some point, I can say, the magic formula for me is [that] I just surrender. I just okay, this is your space, and let’s make it happen and do it.” Whitaker says that every movie that he does is very different, and that it’s hard to compare the roles he’s taken.
There are many key messages that Black Panther has to offer, and in our Forest Whitaker interview, he said that he has a few in mind that he wants viewers to take away. “We are our brothers’ keepers, you know, that we have to, even in our own comfort, be able to reach out and help those and help others is important. I think the message of female empowerment, you know, just both physically and mentally, and just the power that that expresses, and I think this message about our youth, and how we’re molded by our environments, and how we have to step in and try to move those things forward.” Whitaker also says that there is a sense of empowerment for all to be who they want to be. “Finding your own voice, you know. Empowerment. Because I think the movie, like, deals with empowerment, you know. Particularly for people of color, but for everyone.”
Don’t Miss Forest Whitaker in Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER, in theaters Feb 16!
I love Whitaker’s character Zuri in this movie, he is a necessary piece to the Black Panther puzzle and you’ll see why. This Forest Whitaker interview was very insightful, I love hearing how actors get into the spirit of the role they are playing! Catch Black Panther in theaters nationwide on February 16, 2018, read my Black Panther movie review and buy tickets in advance here.
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I am attending a press trip courtesy of Disney. Travel, lodging and other logistics are provided, opinions are those of Honey + Lime.