Despite lobbying hard for the role for several years now, it looks like Vin Diesel will not be playing Black Bolt in the upcoming Inhumans television series after all. Instead, Deadline is reporting that Hell on Wheels star Anson Mount has been cast as the King of the secret hidden society of Attilan in the new eight-episode ABC series, which will get an IMAX debut on Labor Day weekend of this year. In the comics, Blackagar Boltagon (yes, that’s his full name) has such a powerful voice, it can level buildings, so he only speaks if someone really has it coming.

According to Marvel, Inhumans will explore “the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family including Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city.” Mount joins recently cast Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones), who will play Black Bolt’s brother, Maximus. Casting announcements for the rest of the Royal Family, including Medusa, Crystal, Gorgon, and Karnak should be forthcoming soon, as the series is set to go before the cameras very soon in Hawaii.

In a statement from Marvel’s head of TV Jeph Loeb, he said “Anson loves the challenge of playing a character who will only communicate silently. His enthusiasm mixed with his imposing, almost regal persona made it easy to see why he is our Black Bolt.” Series showrunner Scott Buck added “Black Bolt is a character whose deep complexity must be conveyed without uttering a single word, and I’m very excited to have Anson on board to bring him to life.”

The part of Black Bolt was always going to be an acting challenge for anyone who took on the role, simply because the part is going to have to be played all with looks and glances, which can be quite a challenge if the actor isn’t up to the task. This might be perfect casting though, as in the comics, Black Bolt has always been illustrated as having a very imposing jawline. I think with Anson Mount in the role, we have casting coup, because Anson… that’s some jawline you’ve got there sir.

Are you excited about Marvel’s choice for the Inhuman king? Let us know down below in the comments.

Images: Marvel Comics / AMC

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