“Wakanda forever”: Marvel stars pay respect to lost superstar Chadwick Boseman
Many members of the Marvel family have paid their respects following the crushing news that Chadwick Boseman, superhero actor, has died at age 43.
The talented performer portrayed T’Challa in the groundbreaking film Black Panther.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the family said in a statement on Friday.
“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four 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 surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
The statement finished: “He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”
Over the years, Boseman has made his mark by appearing in multiple Avengers films, making his debut as Black Panther in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War.
Two years later, the remarkable thespian led in his own groundbreaking film, Black Panther, before finally appearing in Avengers: Infinity War.
In 2019, Black Panther made a cameo in Avengers: End Game.
Black Panther achieved its own incredible feats just on its own however, including the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
The 42 star took the stage to say: “I think of two questions we have received: 1.) Did we know that this movie was going to receive this kind of response? 2.) Has it changed the industry?
“My answer to that is to be young, gifted and Black. We all know what it’s like to be told that there’s not a place for you to be featured.
“We know what it’s like to be told that there’s not a screen for you to be featured on — a stage for you to be featured on.”
He finished by saying: “We know what it’s like to be the tail and not the head. We know what it’s like to be beneath and not above, and that is what we went to work with every day because we know that had something special that we wanted to give the world — that we could be full human beings in the roles that we were playing.
“That we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see.”
Following his death, the cast of Black Panther and other Avengers cast members shared their thoughts on social media.
Chris Evans took to Instagram on Saturday to honour the actor.
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“I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special,” he said.
“A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. Few performers have such power and versatility. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in power, King.”
Jake Gyllenhaal also took to social media to share his condolences, writing: “Chadwick’s strength and goodness and honesty burned in his eyes. We only spent a handful of hours together, but anyone that crossed paths with him on or off screen knows what I mean: he was rare. The genuine article. His bravery is a lesson to us all. Rest In Peace, Mr. Boseman. You will be deeply missed.”
Captain Marvel’s Brie Lawson said Chadwick would “never be forgotten” in a heartfelt post.
“Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace,” she began.
“Who stood for so much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I’m honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend.”
“This hurts. Really hurts,” Boseman’s Black Panther costar, Letitia Wright, tweeted.
Robert Downey Jr. shared a heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life… That’s heroism… I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game… #chadwickforever."
“Today is beyond devastating to comprehend. Just shock and pain," Sebastian Stan said.
Additionally, the DC Comics Twitter account — DC is the famous Marvel rival — tweeted a powerful statement. “To a hero who transcends universes. Wakanda Forever,” the statement read. “Rest in Power Chadwick.”