On 28th August 2020, Chadwick Boseman breathed his last after a long and excruciating battle with cancer. Diagnosed with stage III colon cancer back in 2016, the prolific and charismatic actor battled his illness in absolute secrecy. And like a true king, now he rests easy after a short yet celebrated career in the movie industry.
Making his debut in The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, Chadwick Boseman quickly rose to fame with his knack of bringing real-life characters to the big screen with utmost sincerity. Having starred in widely acclaimed movies like Get On Up (James Brown), Marshall (Thurgood Marshall), and 42 (Jackie Robinson), Chadwick Boseman’s raw charisma and incredible presence made him one of the finest actors of recent times.
Also see: 10 Best Chadwick Boseman Movies!
In 2016, Chadwick Boseman shot to meteoric fame with his portrayal of King T’Challa of Wakanda, or more popularly known as Black Panther. One of the most iconic and revered superheroes from the comics, Boseman brought the character to life for the first time in Captain America: Civil War.
Also see: Chadwick Boseman’s Best Inspirational Quotes
Later, Chadwick Boseman reprised his role as the benevolent ruler of Wakanda in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther (2018) to explore the origin stories of the character. Breaking numerous records, Black Panther was not just a commercial success, but, also a culturally and aesthetically significant movie responsible for the emancipation of millions of Black children and teenagers across the globe.
As the first superhero movie with a Black protagonist, Black Panther revolutionized the superhero genre which was largely dominated by white, male characters. Exploring the rich cultures and heritage of Africa, Black Panther inspired millions of Black people to find their beacon of hope in a character they could relate.
Chadwick Boseman also reprised his role as Black Panther in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. After the widespread acclaim garnered by Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman was all set to appear in Black Panther 2 which was slated to release on May 6th, 2022.
Unfortunately, the charismatic actor lost his battle with cancer after four years, leaving everyone reeling in the wake of his untimely loss. Loved by many, Chadwick Boseman’s heartbreaking departure came as an absolute shock to most people. Notable celebrities and actors started pouring in their heartfelt tributes, letting everyone know about the kind-hearted and noble soul he was in his personal life.
Fellow Marvel actors Chris Evans, Brie Larson, Don Cheadle, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, Michael Rooker, Josh Brolin, and many other notable celebrities shared their grief and memorable moments on the wake of Boseman’s death. Head of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, said it was “absolutely devastating” to learn about the actor’s shocking departure. Bob Igers of Disney also shared his heartfelt tribute, stating the irreplaceable void left by the talented young actor.
Immortalizing the character of Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman was able to carve a place for himself in a mere four years. With just one complete movie to himself and having limited screen time in the rest three, Chadwick Boseman’s charismatic presence made Black Panther one of the most popular characters across the globe.
His untimely death must have left his cast members from Black Panther heartbroken and devastated. As Black Panther 2 had entered production last year, it’s hard to imagine the pain director Ryan Coogler, and Chadwick’s fellow cast members must be going through right now. As the definitive Black Panther, it’s unimaginable to see anyone else taking up the mantle if Marvel Studios wishes to continue with its original plans. Nonetheless, it’s in everyone’s best interest to take a hiatus from Black Panther to emotionally heal and recuperate.
For fans of Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman might have left one big surprise even after his untimely death. Though we might never see the amazing actor as King T’Challa on the big screen ever again, there’s a possibility that we can hear him as Black Panther in the upcoming What If…? animated series on Disney+.
An anthological series depicting alternate events that could have changed the course of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, What If…? is another highly anticipated show to release on Disney+. As most major characters would be present in this animated anthology, Marvel Studios has roped in Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Hayley Atwell, Josh Brolin, Tom Hiddlestone, Karen Gillan, Jeffery Wright, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Rudd, Jeremy Renner, Jeff Goldblum, and a few other MCU stalwarts to reprise their roles from the movies.
Chadwick Boseman had also joined the cast to lend his voice for both Black Panther and Star-Lord in the animated series. Despite the ongoing CoVID-19 pandemic, sources have reported that most actors have finished their voice recordings.
As it was only revealed after Boseman’s death that he suffered from cancer for the past four years, we sincerely hope the actor rested with his close ones nearby during his last months. But knowing the lengths to which Chadwick Boseman went in these four years, we might get to hear his commanding yet gentle voice in the role of Black Panther/Star-Lord in What If…?
Also see: 7 Movies Chadwick Boseman Did While Battling Cancer
A kind-hearted soul who inspired millions across the world while fighting his own personal battle, Chadwick Boseman is a true superhero who transcended dimensions. A champion of Black rights till he breathed his last, he shall always remain the one true King T’Challa.
Rest easy, my King. Wakanda Forever!
