Four years ago today, Chadwick Boseman passed away due to complications from colon cancer. The actor known for for his iconic portrayal of T’Challa, the Black Panther, in Marvel Studios’ groundbreaking film, died at the age of 43.
Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa in Black Panther was a milestone in cinematic history, providing a long-awaited hero for people around the world.
The film was released February 16, 2018 and opened to a massive $202 million. Black Panther would go on to bring in over $1.3 billion and is the sixth top-grossing MCU movie of all time.
A hero’s journey
Boseman’s journey as T’Challa began in Captain America: Civil War in 2016 and continued through Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. His character was not just a superhero, but a world leader and strategist, something Boseman himself found deeply compelling.
“T’Challa is smart. He’s a strategist, and that has always been something that stood out to me, even in the comic books,” the actor said (via Disney). “If you’re going to do a Super Hero, you want to do one where you can really act and where you can do something that’s going to make you a better artist as well. And I think, culturally speaking, that there are not a lot of opportunities to play a Black Super Hero. It’s breaking new ground—and to be a part of that is a special thing.”
“He was an epic firework display”
Boseman’s final performance as T’Challa came in four episodes of the Disney+ anthology series What If…? (2021), where he voiced an alternate version of Star-Lord as well as his character. The role earned him a posthumous Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, adding yet another accolade to his remarkable career.
Back in 2020, director Ryan Coogler wrote about the legacy of his friend.
“I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly. He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time,” said Coogler on Marvel.com. “He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display.”
Loved playing Black Panther
Last year, Boseman’s wife, Simone Ledward Boseman, discussed her late husband and his dedication to bringing Black Panther to life.
“He loved his work. And he put so much, he had sowed so much into this that it was just, it was hard for him to know that he didn’t get to do that anymore. He didn’t get to keep sowing and see what else it would become,” she told Marvel.
Today also saw Boseman’s Black Panther co-star Lupita Nyong’o post on social media.
“Grief never ends. But it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It’s the price of love,” Nyong’o posted, quoting an unknown author. “Remembering Chadwick Boseman. Forever.”
James Gunn also posted an image of the actor with Rocket Raccoon. “Rest in Peace,” said Gunn.
Simone Ledward Boseman discusses her late husband, Chadwick Boseman, and his dedication to bringing Black Panther to life in the final episode of @ProximityMedia’s ‘Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast.’ 🎧 Listen now: https://t.co/y2fYZmLDTD pic.twitter.com/zo7jwYPTHu
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) February 16, 2023
Nobody was better at bringing great men to life
Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, reflected on Boseman’s profound impact following his passing.
“Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend… He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life,” Feige said in a statement released on Marvel.com in 2020.
Chris Evans, who portrayed Captain America alongside Boseman’s Black Panther, expressed his deep sorrow at the time: “I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special. A true original. Few performers have such power and versatility.”
A Career of Iconic Roles
Beyond his role as T’Challa, Boseman was known for his powerful performances as real-life icons, including Jackie Robinson in 42, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball.
Boseman also played James Brown in Get On Up, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall.
A Lasting Legacy
At the time of his passing, his family, in their statement, expressed their “immeasurable grief” and noted that “it was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
