New Marvel-ous role for Kani
New Brighton actor, now 73, stars in blockbuster movie being filmed in Atlanta
AFTER commanding many a stage globally for more than 50 years, New Brighton actor John Kani – who played a pivotal role in Captain America Civil War two years ago – is working on another silver screen project being filmed in Atlanta.
Despite Marvel Comics announcing the cast of the upcoming movie Black Panther, which is to be released in February next year, on its Facebook page and listing Kani as King T’Chaka, Kani said he could not say much as he had signed a non-disclosure agreement.
Kani, 73, however, said he would be heading back to the United States later this year to continue working on a project along with his son, Atandwa Kani.
“I will be flying to Atlanta for a week or two and then I will be flown back to Johannesburg to continue with a few projects I have going on in South Africa,” Kani said.
“I am doing a major blockbuster movie and I cannot say what it is because of a non-disclosure clause in my contract. I can say that my son is involved.”
Kani, who played a pivotal but brief part as king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda and delivers his performance in isiXhosa, commended the excellent work ethic of the actors.
“After I landed in Atlanta, where the paparazzi had been waiting for me – which made me feel like a pop star even though I am just an elderly gentleman from the dusty streets of New Brighton – I got to meet the actors.
“Chadwick Boseman, who plays Black Panther, is such an inspiration and a great actor to work with. [He] asked me for a picture. Scarlett Johansson also asked for a picture and I remember thinking I was her groupie but she was asking me for one.”
Humbled by the opportunity, Kani said being a part of such a major movie was exciting and brought his career full circle.
“I come from a long line of storytellers and after the first time I stepped out onto a stage in 1965, with my heart pounding in my chest, and the lights went on, it felt right to occupy that space.
“The best part of all my efforts is not about being recognised globally but when I am back at my New Brighton house and the average person walks past and says “Bra John”, it makes me feel good because people always tend to claim me as their own.
“I think my efforts prove to kids in the townships that they too can be successful in whatever they want to do.”
Kani said that there must be a burning sensation inside a person to make it in life.
Looking forward to the project ahead, Kani said security on set was very strict.
“Everyone gets a phone that the directors can reach you on. The scripts are taken back at the end of the day and no personal devices are allowed to ensure that nothing about the movie can be leaked.”