Written By Lexx Thornton
The powerhouse creative duo, director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan, are set to embark on their most historically ambitious collaboration yet: a feature film centered on Mansa Musa, the legendary 14th-century emperor of the Mali Empire, widely considered the richest person in history.
The project, currently in early development, will focus on Musa’s monumental rise to power and his transformative, world-changing pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324.
Mansa Musa ruled the Mali Empire, an immense territory spanning West Africa, at its peak. His wealth, derived primarily from the vast salt and gold resources of his kingdom, was so staggering that his visit to Cairo during his pilgrimage—a journey accompanied by tens of thousands of people and camels laden with gold—caused an economic shockwave that reportedly depressed the value of gold in the region for years.
However, Musa’s legacy extends beyond his material wealth. He was a devout Muslim, a patron of the arts, and a committed scholar who championed the growth of Timbuktu as a global center of learning and trade. The film is expected to explore the complexities of a leader balancing immense power with deep spiritual devotion.
This latest venture reaffirms the incredible synergy between Coogler and Jordan. Their partnership has already yielded some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of the last decade:
- The Creed Series: Launching Jordan into a leading man role while Coogler crafted a compelling extension of the Rocky legacy.
- Black Panther: A cultural phenomenon that showcased their commitment to powerful, globally relevant Black narratives.
By focusing on Mansa Musa, Coogler and Jordan continue their dedication to spotlighting significant, often overlooked, figures from global history. The film promises not only spectacle worthy of the emperor’s legendary wealth but also a deep dive into the history, culture, and influence of the medieval African empires.
While an official release date has yet to be announced, this project is already generating significant buzz, signaling a potentially epic historical drama that could redefine how we view pre-colonial African leadership.