James C. Mathis III
James C. Mathis III (born November 28, 1974) is an American actor and voice artist best known for voicing T'Challa/Black Panther in numerous Marvel animated series, video games, and related media.[1] Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mathis began his acting career in live-action with guest appearances on television series such as ER, Pacific Blue, City of Angels, and Guys Like Us.[2] He later transitioned prominently into voice acting, gaining widespread recognition for his portrayal of Black Panther starting in the early 2010s.[3] His Marvel roles include T'Challa in Avengers Assemble (2013–2019), the spin-off series Marvel's Avengers: Black Panther's Quest (2017–2019), the multiplayer game Marvel Rivals (2024), and Marvel Cosmic Invasion (announced for 2025).[4][5][6] Beyond Marvel, Mathis has lent his voice to diverse characters across animation, video games, and other projects, including Donald Anderson/Sigint in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004) and its remakes, Biscuit Oliva in the Baki series, Hildisvíni in God of War Ragnarök (2022), and additional roles in series like Ben 10 and WordGirl.[6] With over 98 credited voice roles spanning 72 titles, his work highlights versatility in genres from superhero action to military simulation and fantasy.[6]Early life and education
Early life
James C. Mathis III was born on November 28, 1974, in Brooklyn, New York.[6][3] He was born and raised in Brooklyn.[7] Public details about his family background, including parental or sibling influences, remain limited.[8] Later, Mathis relocated to California to pursue his education.[9]Education
James C. Mathis III, originally from Brooklyn, New York, pursued higher education on the West Coast to develop his interest in performance and media.[9] Mathis attended the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, a renowned program focused on film, television, and interactive media production. He graduated, gaining foundational training in storytelling, character development, and performance techniques that aligned with his aspirations in acting.[10][7] This formal education at USC equipped Mathis with practical skills in cinematic production and performance, providing a strong academic base for his subsequent entry into voice acting and live-action roles.[9]Career
Early live-action work
Mathis's entry into live-action acting began during his time as a student at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.[10] He made his feature film debut as an extra in Breakin' the Rules in 1989. After a hiatus, he appeared in guest roles on television series including Pacific Blue (1999), Guys Like Us (1999), City of Angels (2000), ER (2001), Judging Amy (2003), The King of Queens (2003), and Monk (2004).[3] His credits resumed in 2005 with smaller roles in independent short films, marking a transition to more consistent professional work in television and film. In the short film J.A.P.S., directed by David Fickas, Mathis portrayed the character Dante, contributing to a comedic exploration of urban youth culture.[11] That same year, he took on the role of Stevie Wonder in the documentary-style short We Are the World: Inside the World, which delved into the making of the iconic 1985 charity single and featured Mathis in a biographical reenactment.[12] These early appearances showcased his versatility in both narrative and historical contexts. By 2006, Mathis expanded his portfolio with the supporting role of Winston in the thriller Paved with Good Intentions, a film examining moral dilemmas in urban settings. This role highlighted his growing presence in feature-length projects. Mathis achieved his first leading role in 2007 as Bruce, a central character in the VH1 comedy series I Hate My 30's, appearing across all eight episodes of the single season. The series, which satirized the challenges of young adulthood, represented a significant step in his live-action career, establishing him in ensemble television comedy.[1]Voice acting in video games
Mathis's breakthrough in video game voice acting occurred with his portrayal of Donald Anderson, codenamed Sigint, in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004), where he provided the English dub for the tech-savvy FOX unit support specialist who aids protagonist Naked Snake with gadgetry and intel during a 1960s Cold War espionage mission.[13][14] This role served as his entry into the medium, building on prior live-action television appearances by showcasing his ability to deliver nuanced, dialogue-heavy performances in a narrative-driven stealth-action game renowned for its cinematic storytelling.[3] Among his most recognized contributions to gaming, Mathis has voiced T'Challa/Black Panther in titles such as Lego Marvel Avengers (2016) and Marvel Rivals (2024), embodying the Wakandan king's authoritative tone and strategic demeanor in team-based superhero action scenarios.[15][16] These performances have resonated with fans, enhancing the character's integration into multiplayer and ensemble gameplay while highlighting Mathis's versatility in capturing heroic gravitas within Marvel's expansive video game adaptations. Mathis further demonstrated his range in God of War Ragnarök (2022), voicing Hildisvini, Freya's loyal boar-shaped advisor and Vanir deity who plays a pivotal role in unraveling mythological conflicts central to the game's emotional narrative arc.[17][18] As one of several additional voices, the character underscores themes of loyalty and deception in Santa Monica Studio's critically acclaimed action-adventure sequel. Through these and other credits, such as Matutero in Dead Island (2011), Mathis's video game work has significantly broadened his career beyond live-action, establishing him as a go-to talent for authoritative and multifaceted characters in major franchises.[19][6]Voice acting in animation
James C. Mathis III achieved a breakthrough in voice acting with his portrayal of Black Panther/T'Challa in the animated series The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2010–2012), where he brought depth to the character as a noble Wakandan king and Avenger leader within an ensemble team combating global threats.[3] In this series, Mathis voiced T'Challa across 52 episodes, emphasizing the character's strategic wisdom and cultural heritage, which helped establish Black Panther as a key figure in Marvel's animated universe aimed at younger audiences. He also provided voices for villains like King Cobra and Bulldozer in the same production, showcasing his range in handling serpentine menace and brute force archetypes. Mathis continued his Marvel contributions by reprising Black Panther in Avengers Assemble (2013–2019), voicing the character in 45 episodes that explored team dynamics and high-stakes action.[20] In Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (2013–2015), he lent his voice to antagonists such as Ronan the Accuser and Terrax, contributing to episodes focused on cosmic conflicts and monster-hero alliances.[21] His role expanded in Marvel's Avengers: Black Panther's Quest (2018–2019), Season 5 of Avengers Assemble and a 23-episode season that centered T'Challa's personal journey as king, brother, and warrior, delving into themes of leadership and family alongside Shuri.[4] Beyond his signature Marvel work, Mathis voiced Captain Typho, a Naboo security officer, in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2009–2010), appearing in episodes involving espionage and viral threats.[22] More recently, he portrayed Ekthi, a Kazon leader, in Star Trek: Prodigy (2024), adding to the series' exploration of alien cultures and high-speed adventures. He has also voiced characters in other animated projects, including the Enforcer Alien in Ben 10 (2006), Tiny Big in WordGirl (2007–2015), and Biscuit Oliva in the Baki series (2018–present).[6] In animation, Mathis employs a vocal style that conveys honor and objectivity for T'Challa, adapting a measured, authoritative tone suitable for younger viewers while distinguishing it from live-action portrayals.[23] He thrives in ensemble recordings, improvising interactions with co-stars like those voicing Iron Man or Shuri to heighten action sequences and emotional depth, as seen in dynamic booth sessions for Marvel projects.[4] This versatility, honed through prior video game work, translates effectively to animation's linear narratives, allowing seamless shifts between heroic leads and supporting villains.[6]Filmography
Film
James C. Mathis III's contributions to film include a mix of live-action supporting roles and voice acting in animated features and direct-to-video releases. His credits are primarily in ensemble casts or as additional voices, with notable portrayals of superhero characters in Marvel animated productions. Below is a chronological listing of his film roles.Television
Mathis's television work includes a mix of live-action guest spots in early 2000s sitcoms and dramas, alongside extensive voice performances in animated series, where he has become particularly noted for portraying superhero characters in Marvel productions. Live-action roles His live-action appearances were primarily recurring or guest roles in short-lived series and sitcoms.- Any Day Now (2002): Jamal Turner (1 episode)[25]
- The King of Queens (2003): Tony (1 episode)[26]
- Noah's Arc (2005): Malik (2 episodes)[2]
- I Hate My 30's (2007): Bruce (recurring role)[27]
- Suitemates (2010): Tom (2 episodes)
- Gillian in Georgia (2010): Cedric (4 episodes)
- Ben 10 (2006): Enforcer Alien (1 episode)[28]
- WordGirl (2007): Tiny Big (2 episodes)[29]
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2009–2010): Captain Typho (4 episodes)
- The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2010–2012): T'Challa / Black Panther, additional voices including Bulldozer and King Cobra (52 episodes)
- Avengers Assemble (2013–2019): T'Challa / Black Panther, additional voices including Heimdall and Announcer (multiple episodes across 5 seasons)
- Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (2013–2015): Ronan the Accuser, Terrax, Malekith the Accursed (multiple episodes)[30]
- Black Panther's Quest (2017–2018): T'Challa / Black Panther (6 episodes)[31]
- Baki (2018–2020): Biscuit Oliva, additional voices including Ali Sr. (multiple episodes)[30]
- Beastars (2020): Additional cast, Professor Pigeon, Ibuki (multiple episodes)[32]
- Baby Shark's Big Show! (2020–present): Mr. Clownfish, Coral Combat Announcer (multiple episodes)[32]
- Godzilla Singular Point (2021): Michael Steven (voice, guest role)[33]
Video games
James C. Mathis III began his video game voice acting career in 2004 and has since contributed to over 60 titles, often providing character voices, additional dialogue, and occasional motion capture performances.[34] Notable roles include Sigint in the Metal Gear Solid series, Black Panther (T'Challa) in multiple Marvel-licensed games, and Warden Duncan Cole in The Callisto Protocol.[6] He provided motion capture for Blur in 2010. The following is a comprehensive chronological list of his video game credits, focusing on unique titles with specified characters or roles where available; many entries involve additional voices for unnamed characters or crowds.2004
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – Sigint
2005
- The Matrix: Path of Neo – Police/Security
- Fantastic 4 – Puppet Master, Additional Voices
- Metal Gear Acid 2 – Vince
- Shadow of Rome – Tedo/Gedo
- SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs – Killjoy
- The Suffering: Ties That Bind – T-Rod
- Ultimate Spider-Man – Additional Voices
2006
- Dead Rising – Reginald Jenkins, Additional Voices
- Driver: Parallel Lines – Supporting Actors
- Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Sigint
- Ridge Racer 2 – Additional Voices
- Ridge Racer 7 – Additional Voices
- Saints Row – Resident Voices
- Scarface: The World Is Yours – Additional Voices
- SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs - Combined Assault – Killjoy
2008
- Rise of the Argonauts – Additional Voices
- SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs - Confrontation – Patrick Lamb (Hostage 2)
- Spider-Man: Web of Shadows – Rolling Sevens Leader, Additional Voices
2009
- Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop – Additional Voices
- Prototype – Additional Voices
- Ready 2 Rumble: Revolution – Additional Voices
2010
- Blur – Motion Capture Performer
- EA Sports MMA – Additional Voices
- Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker – Soldiers/Extras
2011
- Dead Island – Matutero, Additional Voices
- inFAMOUS 2 – Male Pedestrians, Additional Actors
- Operation Flashpoint: Red River – Corporal Taylor
- Saints Row: The Third – Pedestrian and Character Voices
- Shadows of the Damned – X and Beast, Demons
2012
- Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D – Sigint
- Sleeping Dogs – King
2013
- Grand Theft Auto V – Local Population Voices
- Marvel Heroes – Black Panther, War Machine, Luke Cage[6]
- Saints Row IV – Voices of Virtual Steelport
2014
- Disney Infinity: 2.0 Edition – Additional Voices (Black Panther)
- Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition – King
- The Last of Us: Left Behind – Additional Cast
2015
- Disney Infinity 3.0 – Additional Voices (Black Panther)
- Grand Theft Auto V (PC release) – Local Population Voices
- Star Wars: The Old Republic - Knights of the Fallen Empire – Additional Voices
2016
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare – Additional Cast
- Dead Rising (remaster) – Reginald Jenkins, Additional Voices
- LEGO Marvel's Avengers – Black Panther
- Mafia III – Additional Voices
2017
- Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite – Black Panther
2018
- Far Cry 5 – Additional Voices
- Marvel Powers United VR – Black Panther
2019
- Far Cry: New Dawn – Additional Voices
- Marvel Dimension of Heroes – Black Panther, Ronan
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order – Black Panther, Luke Cage, Ronan[35]
2020
- The Last of Us Part II – Additional Voices
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon – Additional Voices
2022
- God of War Ragnarök – Hildisvíni[36]
- The Callisto Protocol – Warden Duncan Cole
2023
- Dead Space (remake) – Additional Cast
- Journey to Foundation – Cyril Gant
2024
- Concord – Jabali[37]
- Marvel Rivals – Black Panther
- Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered – X and Beast, Demons
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – Additional Voices
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak – Ashladd, Citizen, Holo Core
2025
- Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater – Sigint
- Rusty Rabbit – Jed
- The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II – Ashladd, Citizen, Holo Core
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 – Additional Voices