Michael B. Jordan is opening up about the emotional weight he carried after stepping into one of his most iconic roles. In a recent interview, the actor shared that playing Erik Killmonger in Black Panther didn’t end when filming wrapped. The character stayed with him, mentally and emotionally, long enough that Jordan knew he needed help unpacking it.

That’s when he turned to therapy. Jordan says therapy helped him decompress, reflect, and better understand himself beyond the roles he plays. He’s also clear about one thing: therapy shouldn’t be taboo, especially for men. For him, it’s about learning how to communicate better, process emotions honestly, and show up fully in life, not just on screen.

That mindset carried into his work on Creed III. Jordan revealed that he and co-star Tessa Thompson went to couples therapy together to prepare for their roles. The goal wasn’t romance—it was trust, clarity, and stronger communication. Thompson later shared that the sessions helped them better understand each other and sharpen how they worked together, both as actors and scene partners.

Outside of Hollywood, Jordan is also thinking long-term about family. He’s made the decision to postpone having kids for now, choosing to focus on building his career and a solid foundation first. He reflected on his father’s timeline and shared that when he does become a dad, he wants to be fully present and intentional.

Between the vulnerability, the growth, and the Oscar buzz surrounding his dual role in Sinners, Jordan’s latest chapter shows that real strength sometimes looks like slowing down, checking in, and doing the inner work.