Marvel Studios has released a touching Chadwick Boseman tribute video featuring behind the scenes footage.
The beloved 43-year-old actor passed away on Aug. 28 after a private four year battle with colon cancer.
Boseman was best known for his role as King T’Challa / Black Panther in the incredibly succesful Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). On top of that, his portrayal of historical figures have been highly praised, and has carried some of the best biopics released in recent times. From Jackie Robinson (42) and James Brown (Get On Up), to Thurgood Marshall (Marshall, Boseman immortalized Black legends on the big screen, and in the process of doing that he became one himself.
The Marvel tribute features previously unseen behind the scenes footage from the MCU, as well as commentary about Boseman and his performance from his co-stars.
Boseman’s death has broken hearts around the world and tributes have been pouring into social media. Boseman represented a lot more than just entertainment and a comic book character brought to life on the big screen. He represented hope and a sense of Black pride and excellence, especially for young Black children around the world. Boseman was one of the only Black superheroes for young children to look up to.
“For so many Black kids and adults, Chadwick Boseman represented what could be and what was true – the excellence, resilience, and brilliance in Blackness. Today and every day, we are grateful for his presence and work in this world.” – @LiberateNChill
The fact that Boseman filmed these movies while battling cancer is a testament to his strength. The fact that he kept it private and went as far as supporting tons of other cancer patients while dealing with his own health issues is a testament to his character.
In a strange twist of fate, after portraying Jackie Robinson in the biopic 42, Boseman passed away on the annual Jackie Robinson Day.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers reported, “Jackie Robinson Day was designated for Aug. 28 this year because the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the on-field opportunity to celebrate on its usual April 15 — the day in 1947 when Robinson famously broke baseball’s color barrier with his Major League debut.”
On top of that, Boseman passed away on the birthday of deceased American comic book artist Jack Kirby. In July 1966, Kirby (and Stan Lee) introduced ‘The Sensational Black Panther!’ to the world in Fantastic Four issue no. 52. Just under three months later, the the Black Panther Party was officially founded in Oakland, although there was no connection to the comic book character. In 1973, Black Panther received his own series which was written by Don McGregor.
Rest In Peace Chadwick Boseman. #WakandaForever
