Vince McMahon Stopped Top WWE Star Taking Role In Major Movie

Vince McMahon made sure one star kept their focus on WWE.

Back in November 2022, it was reported that Damian Priest had read for the role of Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The report added that Priest had also been offered to read for other characters in the fictional underwater kingdom of Talokan.

Priest ended up not appearing in the movie, with the role of Namor taken by Tenoch Huerta. The film was released to mostly positive reviews in November 2022, grossing an impressive $859.2 million worldwide.

Interestingly, it’s now emerged that Priest not appearing in the film had little to do with the man himself or Marvel.

Vince McMahon Blocked Damian Priest Project

During an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Priest confirmed that not only did he read for the role of Namor, but he actually got the job. However, it was “taken away from me, but not from Marvel,” all but confirming it was McMahon and WWE that blocked the opportunity.

Priest explained that WWE was a very different place at the time, but he refused to be bitter about the situation noting that if he did take up the role, he may never have become World Champion.

“It’d be cool, [on getting another chance with Marvel] I’m ready. It’s funny because now I’m busier than ever. Look, come what may, I’m good with it. Maybe I do something like that, I do that and go a different route, and I’m not sitting here with you, being a world champion. I won a World Championship at WrestleMania. I don’t know if that happens.”

In a recent interview, now-AEW star Mercedes Mone described trying to get time off from WWE to film the Mandalorian as like “pulling teeth.” The comments came after she confirmed McMahon put heavy restrictions on talent with regard to outside projects.

Mone added that a desire for a greater level of freedom is a big part of the reason she signed with AEW.

H/t to WrestlingNews.Co