From Pizza Hut to Black Panther: How J. Wells Jr. Turned Patience, Martial Arts, and Faith Into a SAG-Winning Career

At first glance, J. Wells Jr.’s journey reads like a Hollywood fairytale, but listen closely, and it reveals something far more instructive. Before the bright lights of Black Panther and a SAG Award–winning stunt ensemble, there was uncertainty, humility, and a Pizza Hut paycheck holding things together while the dream waited its turn. Rooted in martial arts, faith, and an unwavering commitment to preparation, Wells’ story is less about overnight success and more about weathering storms long enough to recognize the blessing on the other side. 

From finding his “tribe” on a historic Marvel set to evolving as an artist alongside industry veterans like Michael Jai White and Tyrese Gibson in Oscar Shaw, Wells embodies the Men’s Success Hub ethos: patience over panic, discipline over shortcuts, and purpose over pressure. His path reminds us that true success isn’t linear—it’s forged in the quiet seasons where belief, readiness, and resilience intersect.

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Your story is powerful; working at Pizza Hut one moment and stepping onto the set of Black Panther the next. What was that season of life teaching you about perseverance before the breakthrough came?

J.Wells Jr.: That season taught me that sometimes you just need to weather the storm. The wind comes to rustle the leaves, and the rain wets the ground, but it doesn’t last. If you wait, the sun will eventually show and bring a brighter day. Even though at the time I was going through it, that experience still nurtures me to this day. When storms come, I’m reminded of what I was dealing with before my breakthrough and think to myself what blessing awaits me if I hold on a little longer while this storm passes.

Not only did you land a role in Black Panther, but you became part of a SAG Award–winning stunt ensemble. What did that moment represent for you personally and professionally?

J. Wells Jr.: Personally, it represented survival as I was out of money and didn’t know how next month’s rent would be paid. Lol. Professionally, I felt like I had found my tribe. I’m working on what would be the number 1 film at the time, in Black Panther, making history, using my martial arts skill set to do so. 

Getting the chance to work with other Black martial artists who shared my passion is something I won’t soon forget. I felt like Superman returning home to Krypton. It was kind of surreal. I told God that I wanted to make movies and continue training in martial arts. This was the first time both passions of mine converged together. I’m grateful he answered my prayer.

Martial arts played a crucial role in opening doors for your career. How did the discipline and mindset from martial arts prepare you for success beyond the mat?

J. Wells Jr.: It was probably the sole reason that I was able to book that role. If I weren’t already a martial artist and could pick up on the choreography using a staff, I maybe wouldn’t have worked on the movie since I wasn’t the right size. I joke that I was the little Jabari that could because I was one of the smaller male Jabari members. The mindset was very important. In martial arts, you gain confidence as you get stronger through training. However, martial arts teaches you humility, as there is always more to learn and techniques to improve. 

Bringing that mindset to set helped immensely, because even though I have this extensive history as a karate practitioner and martial arts, this was my first time on set as a stunt performer. Let me listen, learn, and do what is asked of me. So, I made sure my cup was empty so I could receive what they had for me. 

You’ve transitioned from a breakout moment in a global franchise to your latest project, Oscar Shaw, alongside Michael Jai White and Tyrese Gibson. How has your approach evolved since Black Panther?

J. Wells Jr.: I’m freer now as an artist. When you are new to acting, you tend to do exactly what’s on the page, especially when auditioning, as you are trying to book. Now, I’ll color outside the lines when it makes sense. I'll do what feels right for me and take more calculated chances to create the art I want to create for the character. This approach was instrumental in booking my role in Oscar Shaw. 

Working with industry legends can be both inspiring and intimidating. What lessons have you learned from sharing the screen with veterans like Michael Jai White?

J. Wells Jr.: Belief in oneself, believe you can make it, and don’t stop. It’s ok to slow down, but don’t quit. If this wasn’t the right path for me to be on, would I be here in this moment sharing the screen with Michael Jai White? I don’t know that I would. 

Success isn’t always linear. How do you handle moments of uncertainty or slowdown after a major win?

J. Wells Jr.: You're right, it isn’t linear at all. You can’t control whether you get picked for a role. So, I control what I can control. When it is uncertain or slow. I will train in Karate. Training kata helps ground me as I need to focus on my movements and the perfection of the kata. It’s like I’m fighting back in my own way. 

For men chasing big dreams while handling real-life responsibilities, what advice would you give about balancing patience with urgency?

J. Wells Jr.: That’s a good question. This isn’t the business for quick results. If you can’t be patient, this ain’t the business for you. Most overnight successes have been at this for at least 7-10 years before they break out, and people know who they are. Even when you start booking roles, projects take months to shoot, and when you get to the set, it's hurry up and wait. 

Even if you are pursuing a different career path and it’s not going the way you want, be patient with yourself. Most things are about timing, and you have to trust the timing of your life. Timing played a part in my booking Black Panther; I was in the right place at the right time. Move with purpose instead of urgency. However, you will know when you need to quickly seize an opportunity. 

You’ve built momentum through preparation rather than shortcuts. What does “staying ready” look like for you today?

J. Wells Jr.: Continuing to train so I’m ready for stunt opportunities and continuing to stay curious. As an actor, you are a researcher, and you study people, places, things, and careers all the time, so you can accurately portray them on screen. So, I take an interest in a lot. I never know when it may come into play for a role. 

What kind of legacy are you intentionally building, both in the entertainment industry and in your personal life?

J. Wells Jr.: I’m building a legacy that my family can be proud of. One that when people look back at my work, they can see the innovation and creativity in what I have done. Art that has inspired and made one think. Maybe even make you laugh or at least chuckle.