CASTING NEWS: Michael B. Jordan, Jill Marie Jones, Nelsan Ellis and Naturi Naughton

Posted by | Ray Cornelius

Fruitvale  star Michael B. Jordan is set to play Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch in the reboot of the Fantastic Four  series. In May, we reported that the “in demand” actor was allegedly in talks to play the role but didn’t have concrete evidence. Now it is being confirmed by SchmoesKnow.com, who claims to have received a tip from the actor’s agency. According to BET, Jordan will be playing a role that was originally written as  a white character in the comic book series. This move by the director, Josh Tank, caused a little bit of backlash on Twitter but nothing significant. We can also look for Jordan to star in the Rocky  spin-off Creed  and in the romantic comedy That Awkward Moment.

Jill Marie Jones/Photo Credit: Black Thespian.com

Former Girlfriends  actress Jill Marie Jones is coming back to the small screen this fall. The voluptuous actress will have a reoccurring role on FOX drama, Sleepy Hollow.  According to Indie Wire, she will be playing the ex-wife of Orlando Jones’ character, Captain Irving and the mother to their daughter Macey (played by Amandla Stenberg). Reportedly, Jones’ character will be introduced to the show during the November 25 episode. Glad to see her back.

Nelsan Ellis/Photo Credit: Indie Wire

Indie.Wire is reporting that True Blood  breakout star Nelsan Ellis will indeed be a part of the James Brown biopic, Get On Up.  Last month, we reported that Ellis was being considered for a part but didn’t have confirmation until today. He is in line to play Bobby Byrd, James Brown’s longtime friend and musical collaborator.  Both musicians worked together on such hits as “Sex Machine” and “Get Up, Get Into it, Get Involved.” Ellis will join 42 actor Chadwick Boseman as the Godfather of Soul along with actresses Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, who will be playing Brown’s mother and aunt. Get On Up  is expected to hit theater on Friday, October 17, 2014.

Naturi Naughton/Photo Credit: Complex Magazine

Singer-actress Naturi Naughton will star alongside Omari Hardwick in 50 Cent’s new Starz drama, Power. According to Indie Wire, Naughton will play Tasha St. Patrick, the “ride or die” wife of Hardwick’s character James ‘Ghost” St. Patrick. As previously reported, the one-hour series centers on a New York night club owner (played by Hardwick) who skirts the line between legitimacy and criminality. Naughton joins Lela Loren, who plays St. Patrick’s old flame and Joseph Sikora, as the childhood and best friend to St. Patrick. Production for Power  begins this fall with a 2014 premiere date.

RC will keep you posted on these projects as they continue to develop.