Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther
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The first Black Panther film was a cultural phenomenon. Fans the world over felt connected with the film, whether it be the underlying plot the Kilmonger is fighting for, the struggle of a son succeeding his father and trying to walk in his shoes, or the sheer amount of Black excellence and beauty that is displayed in every frame of the film. Marvel fans praised the research that went into the film and the beauty of the costume and set design that went into it, and, of course, the fantastic job each actor did on screen portraying their respective characters. Chadwick Boseman really embodied what it was to be the Black Panther character.

Boseman, who had an impressive acting career before Black Panther, really nailed this role with grace and a swagger that would have been hard for anyone else to duplicate. Fans became incredibly attached to his portrayal of the Black Panther, so much so that they were devastated when he ultimately passed away in 2020 after a long and silent battle with cancer. Boseman’s fans and co-stars remember him for the life he brought to all characters he played on screen, and his Black Panther co-stars let it be known that they still remember him fondly during the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiere.


Boseman’s Passing Was Felt Within Hollywood And Beyond

Boseman was just 43 when he passed away, and the news sent shock waves throughout the industry and those that remember him fondly. A source close to him remembers him as “a true fighter” who made many films “during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”

Martin Luther King III commended Boseman for his portrayal of “pioneering Black leaders” throughout his career, with Oprah going so far as to call Boseman gentle and gifted. Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther co-star Lupita Nyong’o posted a tribute online shortly after his passing, sharing that she is still having a hard time coping with the loss.

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Lupita recalls Boseman leading “the movie with such compassion and just presence.” Even the MTV Movie & TV Awards memorialized the actor with an award for Best Performance in a Movie after his passing, an honor that Blackish actress Yara Shahidi accepted on his behalf.

Shahidi gave a moving acceptance speech, making sure to end the tribute by telling the actor that he is loved and missed. Even fans shared an outpouring of emotion following his death, with many admitting that they are not ready for a second film if it does not involve Boseman.

Other members of the Hollywood elite that paid tribute in their own way to Boseman include singer Janelle Monae, actors Viola Davis and Jamie Foxx, and even Joe Rogan paid his respects, calling Boseman a hero for how he publicly handled his illness.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Cast Members Speak Fondly Of Boseman

It’s no doubt that the actors involved in the Black Panther films are still processing the trauma of losing not only their close friend and confidant, but the lead actor who essentially made the Black Panther films what they are today: a critical piece of filmography and film history.

Related: Marvel Fans Shocked At How Skinny Chadwick Boseman Is In His Final Film Role

Boseman’s co-stars spoke kindly and fondly of him during red-carpet events leading up to the showing of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, making sure fans and the media know that Boseman is still heavy on their minds and hearts.

Winston Duke, who many will remember playing M’Baku in the films, says he always remembers Boseman “in joy and with joy.”

Angela Bassett, who plays T’Challa’s mother Queen Ramonda in the films, said they wanted to be present at the events in honor of Boseman’s foundation as “part of his legacy.”

Letitia Wright also praised Boseman for how he carried himself and behaved in his everyday life. Wright recalled that “…he was just so wise. He never took up space in a room to make anyone else feel small, he was just considerate and really patient,” and that those behaviors acted as life lessons for her to learn from.

The Film Itself And Its Premiere Served As Remembrance For Boseman

The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiere was a sight to behold, from the amazing gowns and suits those involved wore, to the energy each and every person on the red carpet was giving, to the somewhat somber feeling experienced at Chadwick Boseman’s absence at the event.

Perhaps one of the most moving tributes was that of Letitia Wright, who wore an almost exact replica, tailored to her body, of the suit Chadwick wore during the first Black Panther premiere, a detail fans were quick to point out and get emotional over.

Related: Lupita Nyong’o Shares Endearing Tribute To Chadwick Boseman And Fans Are In Tears

Kevin Feige, the chief of Marvel Studios, was just happy he was able to meet Boseman and work with him, even if it was for just a brief time. Feige made sure to put a spotlight on Boseman’s body of work outside of Black Panther, and how influential his roles in film will be for generations to come.

Actress Janeishia Adams-Ginyard arrived at the premiere covered in body paint, with Boseman’s face included in part of the artwork. Even director Ryan Coogler wore a gold chain with a pendant that had Boseman’s face on it.

Even scenes in the film are included as a tribute to Boseman as T’Challa, with an elaborate funeral procession shown and a huge mural of T’Challa being painted on one of the outside walls of a building in the film.

Fans of the actor and the Black Panther films can draw parallels between reality and the film and can treat the ceremony in the film as a ceremony for Chadwick Boseman as well.

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