Michael B. Jordan Reveals His Top Two Movie Villains of All Time
Michael B. Jordan opens up about his role as Killmonger in Black Panther and shares which two iconic villains from film history he considers the greatest: Heath Ledger’s Joker and Michael Fassbender’s Magneto.
When it comes to casting heroes, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has rarely missed the mark. But for years, the franchise struggled to create villains who were just as compelling. That changed when Michael B. Jordan stepped into the role of Erik Killmonger in Black Panther. Unlike many of his predecessors, Killmonger was a villain with a cause—his anger was rooted in real pain and injustice. Growing up abandoned and witnessing the suffering of his people, he was driven to take action, even if it meant seizing control of Wakanda. While T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, believed in non-violence, Killmonger’s experiences with global racism gave him a different perspective, fueling his determination to bring about change.
Empathy for the Villain
In an interview with W magazine, Jordan explained why these kinds of antagonists are so fascinating.
“They are the ones you can empathize with,”
he said.
“They want you to not like them, but you can still understand their motivation.”
He shared that even though he played the villain in Black Panther, fans still greet him with “Wakanda forever” on the street. It often takes a moment for people to remember that his character wasn’t exactly on Wakanda’s side, but by then, the connection has already been made.
Inspiration from Legendary Performances
Jordan takes pride in his portrayal of Killmonger, but he also credits other legendary comic book villains for paving the way. When asked to name his all-time favorite movie villains, he couldn’t pick just one.
“It’s a tie,”
he admitted, naming Heath Ledger’s Joker and Michael Fassbender’s Magneto as his top choices.
Superhero films have been a staple since the late 1970s, but it was The Dark Knight that truly elevated the genre. Christopher Nolan’s film explored deep themes like obsession, chaos, and morality, but it was Ledger’s chilling take on the Joker that stole the spotlight. Ledger’s performance became a cultural phenomenon, earning him a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. While the Joker wasn’t as relatable as Killmonger, he forced audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about society and order.
Magneto’s Tragic Depth
Michael Fassbender’s Magneto, on the other hand, brought a different kind of complexity to the screen. Although Ian McKellen had already portrayed an older version of the character, Fassbender’s take in X-Men: First Class added new layers. His Magneto was a Holocaust survivor, haunted by loss and driven by a desire for justice, even as he edged closer to darkness. This tragic backstory made him one of the most memorable villains in the genre.
With Disney ’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, many X-Men characters were retired, and Fassbender’s final appearance as Magneto came in Dark Phoenix. However, rumors are swirling that the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars could bring back fan favorites—including the possibility of seeing Jordan’s Killmonger and Fassbender’s Magneto face off on screen.