Michael B. Jordan is a force to be reckoned with.
In November, the 32-year-old Black Panther star helped execs at Warner Brothers write their new inclusion policy for 2019.
“I helped Warner Brothers write their inclusion policy for the studio,” he told The View. “It’s pretty much the first step to open up the doors and set a precedent for other studios to follow that lead.”
Many people didn’t know what inclusion riders until Frances McDormand called for them during her Best Actress acceptance speech at last year’s Academy Awards.
Jordan continued: “It just basically means that it’s mandatory in every department to see a person of color, a woman, somebody from the LGBT community. Warner Brothers are stepping up and doing that. It is a huge step. It’s major.”
Now, as a token of their gratitude, studio execs just inked a first-look deal with Jordan’s Outlier Society production company, which he founded in 2016.
“Michael has become a leading voice in a new generation of talent and is creating real change in the industry,” says Warner Brothers chairman Toby Emmerich. “His talent is undeniable, and beyond that, his commitment and conviction around representation and inclusion are inspiring—he truly walks the walk.”
Jordan has been the subject of gay rumors in the past, which he denied, though he remains a fierce ally to the LGBTQ community.
Related: Michael B. Jordan reacts to gay rumors: “Grow the f**k up!”
Wicked Dickie
‘…Now, as a token of their gratitude…’ Yes, tokenism for sure. Oh look, Hollywood is going to interview a gay hairdresser to work on a Hollywood musical. Way to fish in the pool of talent.
dinard38
There’s always someone who can criticize even the best intentions. Some of y’all just can’t be satisfied. Smh.
shanfrina
… Thankful for Jordan help make this happen, but wondering why he lied about being from Long Beach, CA.?!? My good Gay Friends, from Bellflower, CA. claim he’s from that City. Not good to lie about anything Mr. Jordan. I’ve been an Award-Winning Print-Journalist on both Coasts, in the Mainstream-&-Gay Media, and have never lied about anything in my Work! That included 15-yrs. with “Billboard” in L.A., Vegas-&-here in Bflo./Niagara as well as at 2 Premiere L.A. PR/Publicity firms in L.A.
iamru2
@shangrina Mary please!
dean089
Reminds me of what Riz Ahmed said, how Hollywood treats diversity as if it were a garnish, “We’re going to sprinkle on a little diversity.” Hah!
Kangol
Lovely young man, lovely gesture.
ShowMeGuy
Inclusion is awesome. blah blah blah. That being said, now we can get serious. An inclusion rider is just a fancy word for quota. A business is in business to make money and the entertainment industry
is no different.
At what point do you risk quality of the project and financial success and award season nominations just for the sake of meeting a quota? Quotas lower standards, always has and probably always will. Ask Walmart how their *Hire a Veteran* program is working out for the company. Here’s a secret, it isn’t working. At the store near my home, the management team calls the program “hire’ em fire ’em” because it seems the majority of the veterans who land on Walmart’s doorstep looking for a job, can’t find one for a reason…..they are incompetent. Quotas do not work.
Bob LaBlah
I agree with you and I also want to point out that in the case of Walmart they have a policy of not wanting ANYONE to stay around long enough to retire. You would not believe how heartless that company became once its original owner, Sam Walton, passed away and his out of touch/greedy children took over. Once upon a time Walmart was noted for its profit sharing checks and longtime, loyal employees and during the 1980’s was paraded all over the media as the place you wanted to work regardless of stature. Not anymore they aren’t. And by the way, Southwest Airlines and Jet Blue do the same thing (hiring people they know they should have never hired in the first place). Companies get tax breaks for hiring certain types, shall we say, and since they get a tax break for EACH ONE they hire its to their advantage to keep the revolving door spinning.
julesrules
GTFO of here with your “white is right” and anything else means “lower standards” and a risk to the “quality and financial success” of a film BS mentality. Diversity brings different POVs to the table which means different stories and storylines told to underserved communities. Films like BLACK PANTHER, CRAZY RICH ASIANS and HIDDEN FIGURES have proven that diversity can also mean awards, money and quality. People are tired of the same old white-washed, str8, recycled movies. Get over it.
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