Michael B. Jordan says returning for 'Black Panther 2' will 'always be on the table'

By Candice Williams

Michael B. Jordan hasn't closed the door on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In a recent interview, Jordan revealed that he's open to reprising his "Black Panther" role of Erik Killmonger if asked to return.

"That's something that is very, very near and dear to my heart for a lot of obvious reasons," Jordan told People magazine, referring to the loss of Chadwick Boseman, who died last August from colon cancer. "[I] had a really tough year losing somebody close to me. And what that means for that franchise is it was devastating."

Marvel Studios/ZUMA Press via Newscom, FILE

Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) and W'Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya) are shown in a scene from the movie Black Panther.

"But being in that world in a character that I loved playing, and working with [writer-director Ryan Coogler] and all that good stuff, it's family," he continued. "We created a family over there. So to be able to be in that world again is something that, I think, will always be on the table in some capacity."

Although official details on "Black Panther 2" have not been released, Marvel President Kevin Feige told Deadline earlier this month that the sequel wouldn't revolve around one person, but rather explore Wakanda's "characters and subcultures."

"So much of the comics and that first movie is the world of Wakanda. This was always and initially the primary focus of the next story," said Feige when asked what will happen to Boseman's titular character. "We’re not going to have a CG Chadwick and we’re not recasting T’Challa."

Meanwhile, Jordan is keeping busy with his own personal projects. In addition to making his directorial debut with "Creed 3," he is also gearing up for "Without Remorse" and "Journal for Jordan" — the latter of which he'll work with two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington.

"Being able to be directed by [Denzel] is a blessing and such a learning experience for me," Jordan said.