Getting to know the other actor portraying Black Panther, James Mathis III
Actor James Mathis III has played the character of the Black Panther/T’Challa for years in video games and cartoons.
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Many know the Marvel superhero Black Panther only from Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal in the film of the same name, which still stands as the top-grossing domestic release of the year with a staggering draw of nearly $700 million at the box office.
But long before Boseman first stepped into the role in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War,” there was another Black Panther: James Mathis III. A popular voice actor, Mathis has been voicing the character for almost a decade in various TV series and video games.
“I wouldn’t say that the release of the film affected my portrayal of the character,” Mathis said. “Primarily because it’s the cinematic universe’s version of the character versus the animated universe. So, I’m playing to kids and teens. I’m playing to a younger audience, and the films are designed to play to a much broader audience.”
Next, Mathis’ Black Panther will step into the animated spotlight in the upcoming show “Marvel’s Avengers: Black Panther’s Quest,” which premieres Sept. 23 on Disney XD. In the newest Marvel Animation project, T’Challa must learn to balance being the king of Wakanda and a globe-trotting superhero, with the help of his sister, Shuri.
The Times talked to Mathis at San Diego Comic-Con International, where he participated in numerous panels and signed autographs at the Marvel booth. Since he’s a voice actor, above we have an audio Q&A.
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