In 2016, Chadwick Boseman burst into the superhero scene as the iconic Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War. In just four years, Black Panther became one of the most popular heroes in a genre mostly dominated by white characters. A true king, Chadwick Boseman’s charismatic appearance and a contagious personality made him immortal on the silver screen.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with Stage III Colon Cancer back in 2016. An extremely secretive individual, Boseman hid his illness from everyone and starred in Captain America: Civil War, Marshall, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, 21 Bridges, and Da 5 Bloods.
On August 28, 2020, the prolific and charismatic actor lost the battle with cancer which had progressed to a Stage IV before 2020. A bolt from the blue, Chadwick Boseman passed away with just three months away from his 43rd birthday.
Also see: Is Black Panther the strongest Avenger?
Leaving the entire industry reeling in his loss, tributes from notable actors, directors, and influential filmmakers have been pouring in since his untimely departure. The news of his death was announced on his official Twitter profile which said:
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years to stage IV.
It was the honor of his life to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
The full tweet can be found here:
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Waking up to such irreplaceable loss, Chadwick Boseman’s fellow actors with whom he shared the stage poured in heartfelt tributes. Notable actors like Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Karen Gillan, Brie Larson, Mark Ruffalo, Mark Hamill, Chris Pratt, and Don Cheadle shared their thoughts on Twitter.
A champion of Black rights, Chadwick Boseman had openly endorsed U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, just a few days ago on twitter. Senator Harris has also paid tribute to the late actor on his untimely death which has left people devastated all across the globe.
Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/C5xGkUi9oZ
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020
Head of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, has also released a statement in the wake of Chadwick Boseman’s shocking death.
“Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating,” Feige — president of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer for Marvel Entertainment — said in the statement. “He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life.”
“He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.”
Kevin Feige played a major role in bringing Black Panther to the silver screen. As the first superhero movie with a Black protagonist, Black Panther revolutionized the superhero genre upon its release. Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of King T’Challa aka Black Panther had received critical acclaim, which turned him into a role model for millions of Black people across the globe. After Boseman’s shocking death, it will be a difficult decision for Kevin Feige to expand the story of Black Panther.
Disney’s Bob Iger also expressed his sorrow for the untimely departure of such a charismatic young actor. He released the following statement:
“We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman — an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met.”
“He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo,” the tweet added. “We mourn all that he was, as well as everything he was destined to become. For his friends and millions of fans, his absence from the screen is only eclipsed by his absence from our lives. All of us at Disney send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Chadwick Boseman will be making his last appearance on the silver screen posthumously in the upcoming Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Directed by George C. Wolfe, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is based on the play of the same name by August Wilson.
Set in the 1920s, Chadwick Boseman will be making his appearance alongside the incredibly talented Viola Davis. Boseman last starred in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods as Stormin’ Norman, the leader of a group of soldiers who had lost his life in the Vietnam War.
Known for bringing real-life characters to the big screen, Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of Floyd Little (The Express: The Ernie Davis Story), Jackie Robinson (42), James Brown (Get On Up), and Thurgood Marshall (Marshall) had received critical acclaim.
Also see: 10 MCU What-If…? Scenarios That Would Blow Your Mind
After being selected for the role of Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman had expressed his deep gratitude for veteran actor Denzel Washington to have shown faith in him. A talented, charismatic, kind, and humble human being, Chadwick Boseman stayed every bit the king he truly was till his end.
Rest in Power, Chadwick Boseman. The kings await you in the next world.
Posted by FandomWire on Friday, August 28, 2020
