Let's be honest: the Internet wasn't exactly thrilled when Michael B. Jordan was announced as the next Human Torch.
As per the usual, rants of "He's black! He can't play the Human Torch!" and "Why are you changing this? There was nothing wrong before!" swept across the Internet like a wildfire. If you went by the web's opinion, one thing was made abundantly clear: Michael B. Jordan was the worst thing to ever happen to the Fantastic Four franchise... ever.
While most everyday fans were perfectly fine with the decision, the fanboys were infuriated. But if there's one thing that can stop angry comic book fanboys in their path, it's Stan Lee — he is, after all, the godfather of the Fantastic Four (among others you may have heard of). So, what does Stan Lee have to say about such a "controversial" casting choice?
Frankly, it sounds like Lee loves it. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, the creator of the Fantastic Four praised the casting choice:
"It was more than okay. I thought it was a great idea!"
While it's easy to assume that most fans don't want a black Human Torch simply because they're racist, Stan Lee doesn't think that's the case — in fact, it's more about fans wanting the movies to stay accurate to the comics than anything else:
"They're outraged not because of any personal prejudice. They're outraged because they hate to see any change made on a series and characters they had gotten familiar with... I don't think it had to do with racial prejudice as much as they don't like things changed."
Considering how easily irritated comic book fans can be, it's entirely possible that Lee is right. Either way, he didn't seem to have any doubt that Jordan's performance will be great:
"...I think they're gonna get to love this character. So I'm not the least bit worried about it."
Hopefully, the movie ends up being a hit... especially if it means an X-Men crossover in the future.
Fantastic Four is set to debut on July 30.
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