Marvel introduced the first Black superhero with the 2018 Black Panther. It grossed $1.3 billion at the box office and also became the first superhero film to receive a nomination at the Academy Awards. The film received praise from everyone. The Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr also called it the crowning achievement of Marvel. He also appreciated Chadwick Boseman’s work with the character and how he brought it to life.
Chadwick Boseman passed away in 2020 after battling colorectal cancer for four years. The news came as a shock to everyone. The actor has left a lasting impression with his portrayal of Black Panther. This is the reason the studio decided not to recast the character.
Robert Downey Jr Says Black Panther is the Crowning Achievement of the MCU
Black Panther is still appreciated for so many things other than just being a superhero movie. The film not only introduced the first Black superhero with a solo movie but also represented the African culture from clothing to traditions. It was appreciated for the depiction of heritage and the fictional kingdom of Wakanda.
During his appearance on the ABC special Chadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King, Robert Downey Jr also talked about the impact of Black Panther. He called it the crowning achievement of the Marvel universe.
He said, “Black Panther is, hands down, the crowning achievement of the Marvel Universe. And I say that with all due respect to all the films that have been made, including my own. But it was the one where people got to vote with their ticket sales and say ‘We require this overdue diversity.'”
The Sherlock Holmes star also shared some of his last moments with Chadwick Boseman. He said that the late actor was always hard-working, and always had a smile on his face.
He said, “Looking back, all the more, I realize just what an incredibly graceful human being he was.”Robert Downey Jr also shared that he contacted him during the “Black Lives Matter” protest, and talking to him left him on a listening tour.
Robert Downey Jr Says Chadwick Boseman Brought Black Panther to Life
After the Black Panther star passed away everyone shared their mourning messages for the late actor. Robert Downey Jr also shared his thoughts and he referred to him as a hero and mentioned the way he changed the game with his work.
The Tropic Thunder actor said that prior to the 2018 movie, Black Panther was not as popular as other superheroes. But after Chadwick Boseman presented the character under Ryan Coogler’s direction, everyone knew about the Marvel superhero.
The film gained $1.3 billion at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of Marvel Studios. Black Panther was Marvel’s first step toward introducing greater diversity in the cinematic universe.
Marvel has continued this overdue diversity with Eternals, Miss Marvel, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, and America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Considering the success of the 2018 Black Panther, there is a high expectation for its sequel, which will be released next month.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be released on November 11, 2022.
Source: Cheatsheet
