Michael B. Jordan has once again showcased his undeniable star power with the release of Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” earlier this year. This vampire thriller has grossed over $350 million globally, establishing itself as one of the top-grossing films in the post-pandemic era. In a new York Magazine feature article, jordan revealed that he intentionally limits his social media presence and avoids discussing his personal life with the press to create an air of mystery around himself as a film star. Given the impressive box office numbers for “Sinners,” this strategy appears to be effective.
Jordan,who regards Denzel Washington as one of his primary inspirations, shared that Washington provided him with career advice emphasizing the importance of maintaining a low profile to avoid overexposure. Washington candidly asked Jordan: “Why would they pay to see you on a weekend if they can watch you all week for free?”
The Journey to Stardom
Jordan’s pursuit of movie stardom has been evident since he transitioned from television to film. He appeared in childhood roles like “Hardball,” but it was his supporting performances in series such as “The Wire” and “Friday Night Lights” that truly put him on the map.
“Twelve years ago, I was really uncertain about my career path,” Jordan reflected. “Was I just going to be a TV actor? Where was I headed? All I wanted was an chance in film—to showcase my abilities and find out if I could carry a movie or take on lead roles.”
The script for “Fruitvale Station” eventually landed in Jordan’s hands, leading him to meet director ryan Coogler—a meeting that would change everything: “[Ryan] told me he believed I could be a movie star; he saw potential in me as an actor and wanted to show that potential to the world by making this film together.”
“Fruitvale Station” received critical acclaim and marked the begining of triumphant careers for both Jordan and Coogler,who later collaborated on blockbuster hits like “Creed” and “Black Panther,” culminating in their latest success with “Sinners.”
“Mike deserves every bit of recognition as a leading man,” stated Phillip Solar, Jordan’s manager, during an interview with New York Magazine. “He just happens to be an African American leading man—but our focus wasn’t solely on race; we pursued diverse opportunities.”
The wisdom imparted by washington continues to guide Jordan today; he refrains from engaging heavily on popular social media platforms like X or TikTok. While he does maintain an Instagram account boasting 25 million followers, posts outside promotional events are rare. Notably, Washington directed him in the 2021 romantic drama “A Journal for Jordan.”