Winston Duke’s breakthrough portrayal of M’Baku in Marvel’s Black Panther was the role that thrust the actor into the spotlight, but it also almost cost him another potentially career-making role that he is set to bring to life when Jordan Peele’s Us hits theaters this month.According to the director, he was apprehensive about casting Duke as the father of the central family in the new horror flick because of the warrior image surrounding the burgeoning actor.

“It would take away from our ability to feel afraid [for the family] if they have M’Baku on their side,” Peele revealed via Cinema Blend. “[On the other hand] Winston had this charisma that just stole scenes and really left an impression.”