Michael B. Jordan, the guy who brought us unforgettable performances in Black Panther, Creed, and the new vampire flick Sinners, has a trick up his sleeve for staying a big deal in Hollywood. It comes from none other than Denzel Washington, his mentor. In a recent New York Magazine cover story, Jordan spilled that Washington told him, “Why would they pay to see you on a weekend if they see you all week for free?” That advice has Jordan keeping his online life on the down-low to avoid being everywhere all the time, and it’s clearly working for him.
Jordan looks up to Washington, the legend behind Training Day and Glory, big time. They teamed up on A Journal for Jordan back in 2021, with Washington directing Jordan as a soldier writing a journal for his kid. During that project, Washington dropped some wisdom: stay off social media to keep that movie-star vibe alive. Jordan took it seriously, saying he wants to “create a demand” for himself. Unlike celebs who are always posting, Jordan’s pretty quiet on Instagram, even with 25 million followers. He mostly shares stuff when he’s got a movie to promote, like Sinners, which has pulled in over $350 million worldwide. That kind of box-office heat shows he’s got the pull to keep fans coming back.
Washington’s point is straight out of old-school Hollywood: don’t let people get too used to seeing you. If you’re all over social media, sharing every meal or workout, fans might feel like they’ve already got enough of you. Jordan mentioned Washington got similar advice from Sidney Poitier back in the day, like a torch being passed among acting greats. By staying low-key, Jordan sidesteps the “too much” trap some fans say they feel with stars like The Rock. Online, people agree that constant posts can make celebs less special, but Jordan’s rare appearances make his roles—like Adonis Creed or his Sinners character—feel like a big deal.
Washington’s influence goes beyond just staying offline. In A Journal for Jordan, Jordan called working with him a “masterclass,” soaking up tips on acting and producing. When Jordan took the director’s chair for Creed III, Washington hooked him up with a storyboard artist to make things smoother. Jordan even tossed around the idea of getting Washington into the Marvel Universe someday, a plan sparked after Creed III. It’s clear Washington’s advice has Jordan thinking long-term about his craft and how he shows up in the world.
Fans are loving Jordan’s approach. Some online are saying, “Denzel’s onto something—too much exposure kills the movie-star vibe.” They point to Jordan’s knockout roles in Fruitvale Station and Sinners as proof he’s doing it right. Others think being super visible doesn’t always hurt, pointing to stars like Kevin Hart who keep packing theaters. Still, Jordan’s choice to keep things selective makes every project feel like a must-see.
At 38, Jordan is juggling acting, producing, and directing, all while planning for a career that lasts. By taking Washington’s advice to heart, he’s making sure his work stands out more than any headlines. Whether he’s dodging the spotlight or keeping Instagram posts rare, Jordan’s showing that a little mystery goes a long way in keeping fans hooked.