Michael B. Jordan is bringing a new take on a classic heist thriller to screens, and it marks a significant moment in Hollywood history. After nearly three decades, “The Thomas Crown Affair” is being remade with Jordan in the lead role—the first time a Black actor will take on this iconic part. A trailer that dropped Thursday shows a film that looks just as stylish and entertaining as its 1999 and 1968 predecessors.
The casting feels like a natural moment to celebrate Black actors who’ve stepped into traditionally white roles and made them their own. From comic book universes to fairy tales to prestige dramas, there’s a whole catalog of performances that went beyond simply filling a role—they redefined it. Here are the standouts who proved they didn’t just belong in these parts; they elevated them.
Michael B. Jordan – “The Thomas Crown Affair”
Jordan joins Steve McQueen and Pierce Brosnan as one of the few actors to take on the role. While details remain under wraps, the film brings together an ensemble that includes his “Black Panther” costar Danai Gurira, Adria Arjona, Kenneth Branagh, and Lily Gladstone. The heist thriller is shaping up to be something special, and Michael B. Jordan carries the weight of this reimagining with the kind of ease that makes you wonder why it took this long.
Lupita Nyong’o – “The Odyssey”
Christopher Nolan’s casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy in “The Odyssey” sparked unnecessary backlash from some corners. The role has been portrayed by Rossana Podestà, Diane Kruger, and Sienna Guillory over the years. What matters is that Nyong’o brought depth and grace to one of literature’s most complex figures.
Halle Bailey – “The Little Mermaid”
When Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel in Disney’s 2023 live-action adaptation, the discourse was immediate and divisive. Bailey responded the only way that mattered: by giving a performance that made audiences invest in her character’s journey. She didn’t just inhabit the role; she made it feel lived-in and genuine.
Cynthia Erivo – “Wicked”
While Black actresses have played Elphaba on Broadway before, Cynthia Erivo was the first to bring the character to film. Her performance earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in 2025, and she’s returning for the sequel. That’s the kind of validation that speaks volumes.
Jacob Anderson – “Interview with a Vampire”
Jacob Anderson’s portrayal of Louis in “Interview with the Vampire” is impossibly compelling. Social media regularly compares his take to Brad Pitt’s original performance, and not always in Pitt’s favor. Anderson brought layers of complexity and vulnerability that make his version feel distinctly his own.
Naomie Harris – “James Bond”
Miss Moneypenny was traditionally a minor character—typically portrayed as white, confined to a secretarial role. In Daniel Craig’s Bond films, Naomie Harris transformed the part into something far more significant. The character evolved from office fixture to integral player in the narrative.
Samuel L. Jackson – “Secret Invasion”
In Marvel comics, Nick Fury was written as a white man. When it came time to cast the former S.H.I.E.L.D. director for the MCU, Samuel L. Jackson was the only choice that made sense. He’s become so synonymous with the role that it’s hard to picture anyone else.
Brandy Norwood – “Cinderella”
Brandy’s 1997 “Cinderella” with Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother is the version that matters. There’s an effortless warmth to it, from Brandy’s braids to the chemistry between her and Houston. Time has only made it clearer: this is the definitive adaptation.
Quvenzhané Wallis – “Annie”
Quvenzhané Wallis faced cruel criticism for her 2014 take on Annie, but she delivered a performance that radiated joy and resilience. Her curls, her voice, her presence—everything about her casting felt right. The film became a touchstone for young Black actresses seeing themselves represented on screen.
Jaden Smith – “The Karate Kid”
Even as a child actor, Jaden Smith demonstrated real range. His performance in the 2010 “Karate Kid” had substance; he brought genuine vulnerability alongside the physical elements of the role. It was clear early that this was an actor with his own path ahead.
Eartha Kitt and Halle Berry – “Catwoman”
Both Eartha Kitt and Halle Berry made Catwoman iconic in their respective eras. Kitt brought sensuality and danger to the ’60s Batman series, while Berry claimed the role with undeniable star power. Michelle Pfeiffer had her moment, but the character thrived when given a Black actress to embody her.
Whitney Houston – “The Preacher’s Wife”
Most people don’t realize “The Preacher’s Wife” was based on the 1947 film “The Bishop’s Wife.” Houston’s version became the one that endures. It’s not just a remake; it’s the version that found its cultural moment and held onto it, becoming a holiday season essential.
Denzel Washington – “The Equalizer”
“The Equalizer” existed before Denzel Washington took on the role, but his interpretation has completely overshadowed the original. His performance is so definitive that imagining another actor in the part feels impossible. That’s legacy casting done right.
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