Marvel Studios Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s cast graced the red carpet at the movie’s premiere this Wednesday night in Hollywood. Director Ryan Coogler and the ensemble cast paid their tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman.
Following the demise of Boseman’s King T’Challa, the people of Wakanda, especially Queen Ramonda, Shuri, Nakia, Okoye, and M’Baku, grieve his untimely passing. Two years after Boseman’s death, his absence at the premiere was felt throughout the event.
Cast Of Black Panther Honors Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy
Letitia Wright, who plays Princess Shuri, shares her feelings regarding the sequel film without the actor, via Variety:
“I’m bracing. I’ve seen some members of Chad’s team. When we lock eyes, we know how this feel. We have to take a step away. I see my aunt locking my eyes with me, she’s very proud. I have to take a step away… It’s emotional. We’re trying to hold it together.”
Coogler also expressed his thoughts about Boseman’s sudden death. In his interview with ET Online, he said:
“When you experience anything that sudden, as what happened with us, it’s traumatic. You go through all types of different thoughts. Thankfully, that thought that you mentioned, it was a fleeting thought. As I felt more and thought more and thought more about Chadwick and how he lived his life, it made all the sense in the world to keep going. I know that he wouldn’t want us to stop.”
Coogler once mentioned walking away from Hollywood after Boseman died, but he changed his mind and decided to persevere with the sequel.
Black Panther Director Reveals How He Handled Boseman’s Departure
The director shared how he coped with the loss by reflecting on their time working together, looking back at old photos and videos, and remembering their conversations. For Coogler, this is what pushed and encouraged him to continue his work on Black Panther. According to Angela Basset, who played Queen Ramonda, Coogler wears a medallion with Boseman’s face on it every day and keeps it close to his heart.
Wright praises Coogler for the work he has done with the movie and the entire Black Panther team. She told ET Online:
“We’re extremely proud of how Ryan has brought a script that could honor Chad, that could honor T’Challa. I’m so proud of the way us as a family, the Wakandan family that you know and love, has come together to bring you a second installment, and yet, it’s really hard to do this without our brother – he should be here.”
To wrap up, the actress hopes that Boseman is proud of the work they have done. It is their way of honoring his legacy and the effort he has rendered for this work to come to life. Wright also wishes that fans would see their hard work and appreciate the film.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will arrive in theaters worldwide this November 11, 2022.
