Most recently, Boseman starred in 21 Bridges (2019) alongside Sienna Miller and Spike Lee’s Netflix film, Da 5 Bloods (2020).
Is of course as the main role in Black Panther as T’Challa / Black Panther.
He played it in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Black Panther (2018), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019) and was a huge inspiration and superhero for children and adults far and wide.
Black Pather completely revolutionized the film industry.
Back in 2018, Black Panther became the talk of the town as it hit all major big-screens.
Marvel’s superhero movie brought cultural importance to the forefront of a storyline while still maintaining the classic “hero vs villain” trope.
With black talent spread across the entire cast and production, Black Panther became more than just a social talking point. It became an artistic celebration of black culture.
The genre typically upholds traditional superhero visuals, as seen with Superman, Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, and Batman, just to name a select few…
But Black Panther saw a whole new story brought to life.
A culture that was once seen as other, brought about celebration in a way that actually brought audiences together to share their love for the genre.
In such a strong line-up of actors and actresses, we saw the fusion of old and new black actors including Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o and Letitia Wright.
And The Guardian described him as a man who helped to “[open] up people’s minds.”
Even though Boseman made an appearance in Captain America: Civil War prior to this blockbuster, no one really acknowledged the talent and drive behind his character.
He explained how most of it was “brought on himself.”
“It’s not like it’s actually coming from outside. I think we all placed that pressure on ourselves with this cos we knew what the opportunity was. Everyone knew this was something that had not been done before.”
But it was more than just mental pressure as Boseman had to get in serious shape for the role too.
As with any other superhero piece, Black Panther‘s characters were very toned and fit.
However a few months ago, fans grew concerned over Boseman’s emaciated appearance, but he didn’t offer any insight, causing many to jump to the conclusion that it was for his upcoming role in The Black Child, a new movie.
As the star was celebrating Major League Baseball’s “Jackie Robinson Day” with his fans, people flocked to social media platforms to express their concerns.
This user followed up this tweet writing, “…He looks emaciated.”
With many pointing that although Boseman wasnset to star in the upcoming Black Panther movie in 2022, he was also preparing for other roles in between.
Confirming his passing, a statement written by his family read: A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. undefined
From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more – all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.
He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
Fellow Black Panther star Angela Bassett spoke of how inspiring Boseman was.
This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal… All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.
Chris Evans wrote on Twitter: I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King undefined
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My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones. The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul. #wakandaforever
Who stood for so much more than himself. Rest in peace and power my friend.
He wrote: All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman. What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.
Deadpool star, Ryan Reynolds wrote: Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick. undefined Whereas singer, Rita Ora, wrote: undefined A superhero on and off screen. Sending my love to the family and friends of Chadwick Boseman. Rest in peace.
Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible…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.
This slaps harder now that we know he was suffering from cancer himself all along. While he fight for himself, he helped others fight through theirs. A true king! Rest In Peace Chadwick Boseman
What an amazing man Chadwick Boseman was. He knew the exact words to say on stage, interviews. Always had a smile & the ability to make others smile to. This year has been so depressing for all of us, but this news of Chadwick death is my low point.
REST IN POWER CHADWICK BOSEMAN
More specifically he wrote: RIP Chadwick Boseman. An incredibly talented actor who was doing so much amazing work on and off screen. A really inspiring person. This one hurts man, fuck cancer.
And some of his final posts are truly heartbreaking.
One video posted to his Instagram in July shows Chadwick and others spraying Spike Lee with water pistols on the set of Da 5 Bloods.
For a man who knew he didn’t have long left, this just shows how strong he was.
Which again proves how dedicated Boseman was to justice and equality for all.
Just two weeks ago, Chadwick shared a photo of himself with Kamala Harris, which received over a million likes.
Is his hashtag #WhenWeAllVote. It’s evident that Chadwick had every intention to vote before he passed away.
And the interview is particularly moving as it’s about two young fans of his who had terminal cancer. What wasn’t known at the time was that Boseman was also battling the disease at the same time.
In the interview Boseman says: Their parents said, ‘They’re trying to hold on till this movie comes’.
To a certain degree, you hear them say that and you’re like, ‘Wow. I gotta get up and go to the gym. I gotta get up and go to work. I gotta learn these lines. I gotta work on this accent’.
Because you’re like, ‘This can’t mean that much to them.’ You know? But seeing how the world has taken this on; seeing how the movement and how it’s taken on a life of its own, I realize that they anticipated something great.
I think back now to a kid, and just you know, waiting for Christmas to come, waiting for my birthday to come, waiting for a toy that I was going to get a chance to experience, or a video game. I did live life waiting for those moments. And so, it put me back in the mind of being a kid just to experience those two little boys anticipation of this movie.
And when I found out that they…
Boseman then broke down in tears, recalling the boys’ deaths.
Obama paid a beautiful tribute to Boseman claiming that he was blessed…
More specifically Obama tweeted: Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed.
To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years. undefined
It truly is a huge tragedy that this icon and idol for so many has passed away so soon.
