We here at Culture Slate send out our condolences to the friends and family of Chadwick Boseman. It is with great sadness that we pass on the news that has come out regarding Chadwick Boseman, who died Friday after a four-year struggle against colon cancer. This news is a lot to take in, but it is very much true. The following statement was released on the Black Panther star’s Twitter:
"It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV."
“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless curgeries 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.”
This news comes as a huge shock to many people. Before being cast as Black Panther by Marvel Studios, Boseman became notable for his portrayals of iconic Black American figures Jackie Robinson in 2013's 42 and James Brown in 2014's Get on Up.
Chadwick Boseman brought Black Panther to life on the big screen within just the last few years. He made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, in which his character had a major focus and made a huge impression on viewers who were not quite familiar with the character. 2018 saw the release of the Black Panther film, which was a cultural phenomenon in how it had a lot of black representation within a popular superhero film. We got to see the world of Wakanda in this film, and the story was incredible. Black Panther and some of the characters from Wakanda returned for Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, both of which comprised the culmination of years of cinematic storytelling, cementing them as two of the biggest event films in history.
Chadwick Boseman fought colon cancer for about as long as we have been seeing him in these Marvel films, and his performance in the role via these big films will not be forgotten. He has set the precedent for how to perform the Black Panther role on film. Even post-mordem, viewers will see his performance, and be inspired by the hero that they see in his portrayal. When looking back at what the Marvel Cinematic Universe ended up becoming, Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa is there. When we flip through the figurative pages of the history of this franchise, Chadwick Boseman has a prominent presence. He has cemented himself as one of the greats of superhero films.
As far as posthumous roles, Chadwick Boseman starred in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which is in post-production and currently has an unknown release date. He also voiced T'Challa for Marvel's What If...? animated series that is expected to come to Disney+ in 2021. So we have not heard the last of Boseman playing T'Challa. Hearing him again will be welcome, and people can always rewatch his works that have been out up to this point.
Wherever you may be now, Chadwick Boseman, we will remember you. Wakanda forever.
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