‘Swapped’ Star Michael B. Jordan Contemplates Quitting Acting for Full-Time Anime

Michael B. Jordan has solidified his position as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents this year, following his Best Actor Oscar win for ‘Sinners’ and his dual role as director and star in ‘The Thomas Crown Affair.’ However, beneath the accolades and busy schedule lies a long-standing passion that has significantly influenced his career.

This passion dates back to his childhood in Newark, New Jersey, where Jordan would sneak into his church basement to watch episodes of ‘Dragon Ball Z.’ Years later, this habit has evolved into a crucial creative influence, particularly evident in his filmmaking, especially in the boxing sequences of ‘Creed III,’ which drew inspiration from fight styles in ‘Naruto,’ ‘My Hero Academia,’ and ‘Hajime no Ippo.’

In a recent interview with Vogue, Jordan expressed how far his anime passion might lead him. He playfully stated, “I might just quit it all and make anime the rest of my life,” a comment that carries significant weight, especially as he revealed that some anime-related projects are already in the works.

This statement hints that Jordan’s ambitions in anime have evolved beyond mere fandom into a potential career shift. He has previously mentioned his desire to adapt an anime property into a live-action film, describing the experience as a way to “cleanse the palette” between various projects.

Jordan’s connection to anime extends far beyond its influence on his fight choreography. He voiced the lead character Julian Chase in Rooster Teeth’s ‘gen:LOCK,’ an anime-inspired sci-fi series featuring Dakota Fanning, Maisie Williams, and David Tennant, which received a 90 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Additionally, he has infused his passion directly into the ‘Creed’ franchise, collaborating with TMS Entertainment on a special anime short that premiered in Japanese theaters after ‘Creed III,’ created specifically as a gift for the film’s Japanese audience. Through this project, his voice work, and his enthusiastic support for series like ‘Bleach’ and ‘My Hero Academia,’ Jordan has established a genuine presence in the anime community that transcends typical celebrity interest.

With new anime projects already in development, Jordan’s remarks to Vogue may be more than just a lighthearted comment; they could signal a significant shift in his career direction. Given how seamlessly he has integrated anime into his filmography, a complete transition into this realm seems increasingly plausible.

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