Michael B. Jordan’s love for anime continues to shape his Hollywood career, as the Marvel and Creed star openly references series like Attack on Titan and Naruto when discussing his work. The topic of Michael B. Jordan anime influence took center stage during a recent Variety segment featuring Jordan alongside Elvis’ Austin Butler and Gladiator 2’s Paul Mescal, where he introduced his peers to one of his favorite anime moments.
Introducing Anime to Fellow Actors
In a dynamic video segment called Guys Hanging Out Watching YouTube by Variety, Michael B. Jordan joined Austin Butler and Paul Mescal for an engaging discussion fueled by viral internet clips. During the gathering, Jordan presented a pivotal scene from season seven of My Hero Academia, featuring Bakugo’s dramatic battle with Shigaraki and the League of Villains. Butler humorously pointed out that Jordan was spoiling the anime’s storyline for him. Jordan, emphasizing the scene’s importance, insisted that the powerful emotions and themes behind it had to be experienced firsthand. Throughout the exchange, Jordan highlighted core anime themes like friendship and self-sacrifice, illustrating how deeply the medium resonates with him.
Anime’s Creative Impact on Jordan’s Work
Michael B. Jordan’s admiration for anime has heavily shaped his creative projects across film. In Marvel’s Black Panther, his character Erik Killmonger famously wore armor reminiscent of Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z, signaling a direct visual connection to anime. Jordan’s passion extended into his direction of Creed 3, where many boxing sequences drew inspiration from titles like Hajime no Ippo. The influence of anime is not just visual; it also extends to the spirit of the storytelling and action in his films.
There were a lot of fight moments that I saw in anime that I thought would be great to incorporate in Creed 3, to bring out the feeling of this sequence. Like, how do you achieve something in animation that feels so supernatural? How do you bring that to different media?
— Michael B. Jordan, Actor and Director
While the three actors explored different anime titles during their conversation, Butler shared that he had enjoyed celebrated films such as Paprika and Perfect Blue. Paul Mescal, on the other hand, has experienced some of the genre through Dragon Ball Z, which he considers a cornerstone of anime, but admitted he had never watched My Hero Academia until that day. Jordan’s enthusiasm was evident as he curated the experience for his colleagues, bridging his passion for anime with his Hollywood network.
Expanding Anime’s Footprint in Mainstream Media
Michael B. Jordan’s dedication to anime does not stop at referencing its stylistic elements or recommending classic series. His ambition stretches toward someday directing a live-action adaptation of an anime—an aspiration he has discussed publicly. Fans familiar with Jordan’s work, especially those cognizant of his influences in Creed 3 and Black Panther, see the potential for a faithful and energizing adaptation if such a project materializes. With directors like Jordan championing anime’s blend of emotional depth and innovative visuals, traditional genre boundaries in Hollywood continue to blur.
Additional context comes from other key moments in Jordan’s anime journey. He has engaged directly with famous creators and artists in the anime field, such as meeting the artist behind One-Punch Man. These interactions not only validate Jordan’s credibility as an anime fan but also strengthen the connection between Hollywood’s creative minds and the anime industry. The enthusiasm and expertise of figures like Jordan open pathways for more authentic crossovers and adaptations in the future.
Cultural and Industry Impact
With his outspoken support and creative borrowings, Michael B. Jordan continues to support the legitimacy and artistry of anime within the broader entertainment landscape. His willingness to share and celebrate anime moments with fellow actors like Austin Butler and Paul Mescal draws wider attention to the medium and encourages new viewers to explore acclaimed series from Naruto to My Hero Academia. These actions reflect the growing global influence of anime, as Western creators and audiences connect with its stories, characters, and themes.
As the entertainment industry sees more collaboration and inspiration across genres, the impact of anime on global pop culture becomes even more apparent. Michael B. Jordan’s anime influence is a leading example of how passion for one medium can invigorate creativity in another, laying the groundwork for future collaborations between Hollywood and the world of anime. With major studios such as Marvel and Warner Bros. Animation increasingly acknowledging the popularity of anime, industry watchers await the next move from advocates like Jordan, who continue to bridge the gap between animation and live-action storytelling.
For fans, fellow creators, and new viewers alike, Michael B. Jordan’s journey with anime reaffirms the power of personal passion in shaping the future of entertainment. As anime continues to inspire artists worldwide, figures like Jordan demonstrate that creative boundaries are made to be crossed, and new possibilities are always within reach.
