Raw Leiba Opens Up About Erik Killmonger and Black Panther

As far back as 2011 actor Raw Leiba was in talks with the fine folks at Marvel Entertainment about playing the role of Erik Killmonger in a future film series featuring their superhero Black Panther. Raw felt so strongly about the character that he set out to make the part his own, even going so far as to dress as the character for some photographs to show just how much he actually looked like the character.

The fan response was overwhelming.

To cut to the chase, after five years of being attached to the 'Black Panther' movie the project went through of couple of directing changes before Ryan Coogler stepped in with his own casting ideas in mind.

As we all know Leiba was passed over for Michael B. Jordan, an actor Coogler had a long history with.

Since that time fandom has made it clear on just who should have received the role of the Panther's arch-nemesis Erik Killmonger.

Leiba himself, however, has remained silent about the issue up to this point. Many fans and members of the media have mistaken this silence for malice on the part of the actor.

Today the actor and producer has taken some time out of busy schedule to have a conversation and set the record straight.

Read The Interview Here: Raw Leiba Opens Up About Erik Killmonger and Black Panther

Raw Leiba To Be In Conan, Possibly Hercules, Luke Cage or Black Panther

Written: Ken Hulsey
Source: Anonymous

Let me tell you that the casting of actor Raw Leiba in the upcoming "Conan" movie has been a real up-and-down, on-and-off affair. If I were writing this article yesterday, I would be reporting that Leiba was definitely out of the movie. In fact just this morning he contacted the production to tell them that he would have to pass up on the part of Ukafa because of two prior commitments.

Well, things in the entertainment industry can change quickly, sometimes within a few hours.

Now, I can report that Leiba will probably be in the "Conan" movie after all, though not as Ukafa, as first reported. Sources are indicating that he may play a yet unnamed character, who will appear at the very end of the film, as a set-up for a sequel.

The film makers behind "Conan" really wanted Leiba at all costs, in fact his holdout actually caused the production to halted. They even went as far as to bring in screenwriter Sean Hood to rewrite two endings for "Conan", one with Leiba's Ukafa character, and another without him.

The reason for the two endings....well that has a lot to do with weight, and athletic ability. You see if Leiba was going to play Ukafa, there was to be a very dramatic sword battle at the end. Now, that in all likelihood, the 350lb, Bob Sapp, will get the part, so he, due to his size, won't be called upon for many action shots.

That's not a knock on Sapp by any means, its just designing a character around an actor's abilities.

Filming for the finale of "Conan", now with Raw Leiba, is presently penciled in for May. Between the filming of the actor's other two movies.

In a related note, the same film makers are also considering Leiba for "Hercules", only if the actor couldn't appear in "Conan", and the starring role of either "Luke Cage" or "Black Panther."

Remember you heard it here first.

See Also: Scheduling Problems May Keep Raw Leiba Out Of Conan / Marcus Nispel Gets The Green Light For A Conan Remake

Scheduling Problems May Keep Raw Leiba Out Of Conan

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Raw Leiba

This past weekend I was contacted by actor Raw Leiba (Fable: Teeth of Beasts / The Ascension) about his reported connection to the upcoming "Conan" movie. It seems that both Raw and his brother Rolando are fans of Monster Island News, and have chosen this venue to release some information in regards to "Conan" and some other movie projects.

As it stands right now, Raw has not yet signed on to play Ukafa alongside Jason Momoa (as Conan) due to some possible scheduling conflicts. At this time he is already signed on for two films, one "The Driver" which stars Heather Locklear (Melrose Place) and Abe Vigoda (Fish) and yet another unnamed film which may be shooting around the same time.

Raw wanted everyone to know, that if these films won't conflict with the shooting schedule for "Conan" then he would like to sign on.

The actor is very excited about the possibility of working with director Marcus Nispel and to possibly prepare for the role, he has continued working out, and reading the "Conan" novels written by Robert E Howard.

Raw promises to keep everyone updated on the status of "Conan" and his other upcoming projects.

He has even went as far as to hint at a possible set visit, so keep your fingers crossed about that.

I do want to take the time to give a special 'shout-out' to Rolando Leiba, who is reportedly an avid reader of MIN. It's great to have fans that feel so strongly about what you do.

See Also: Marcus Nispel Gets The Green Light For A Conan Remake