Since the unexpected announcement of Chadwick Boseman’s passing, tributes have been flooding social media. The actor, who was known to millions as King T’Challa/Black Panther, had been fighting a battle with his health when the cameras weren’t rolling. At only 43 years of age, this talent was taken away from the world much too young. Despite this, he wasted no time whilst alive and has most definitely secured his place in cinematic history.
An Actor For and In the History Books
“He received widespread praise for portraying each historical figure with such compelling dignity and skill.”
Although his rise to Hollywood fame was fairly recent, Boseman, with powerful conviction, secured his legacy as one of the most important and talented actors of his generation. After a number of television appearances, he made a name for himself by portraying a number of inspiring historical figures. His break out role came as baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 42 in 2013. In 2014 he jumped straight into the role of iconic musician James Brown in Get On Up, before taking up the role of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshal in 2017’s Marshall. He received widespread praise for portraying each historical figure with such compelling dignity and skill.
A King Is Born
His contribution to the MCU has secured his immortal place in cinematic history. From his first appearance as T’Challa in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, it was clear that Boseman would be more than capable of keeping up with the rest of the powerhouse actors in the MCU. His ability to exude regality in everything he does made for an incredibly compelling and fully developed characterisation of the King of Wakanda. Some critics thought his understated portrayal in 2018’s Black Panther was overshadowed by Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger and Letitia Wright as Shuri. However, Marvel fans recognised his cool, calm and composed portrayal as exactly what was needed for T’Challa, a King who does not cower away from difficult decisions in deciding what is right. His performance is even more impressive given his private battle with cancer over the past 4 years, enhancing his reputation as a true powerhouse. Boseman tackled action sequence upon action sequence alongside interviews and red carpet events without letting his ailment get in his way, like a true King.
The First Oscar-nominated Superhero
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa was a cultural phenomenon. The opening of Black Panther will be remembered as a powerful moment in black history. Although Black Panther wasn’t the first black superhero to make it to the big screen, Blade beat him to it in 1998, the film made history in many other ways. The movie was the first one in the globally revered Marvel Cinematic Universe to be headlined by a Black superhero, and supported by a predominantly Black cast. Boseman led the cast in a smash-hit which broke multiple box office records and became the first Oscar-nominated superhero after the film received a nomination for Best Picture. This nomination marked a groundbreaking achievement for both the genre and for Black cinema.
The Legacy Continues
Boseman continued his work in projects outside of the MCU, most recently in Spike Lee’s Da Five Bloods, released earlier this year. When Lee spoke to The Atlantic about his casting decisions he reflected on Boseman’s character.
“The character is a superhero. Who do we cast? We cast Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall, T’Challa… Chad is a superhero!”
His final feature, an American drama entitled Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, is yet to be released. Boseman stars alongside Hollywood giant Viola David in a film which recalls one of Ma Rainey “Mother of Blues’” (Davis) recording sessions, an event which brings issues of race, relationships, and the exploitation of black recording artists to light.
The legacy that Chadwick Boseman has left behind will ensure that his name will never forgotten by the critics who praised him and the fans whose hearts he touched. Rest in Power, King. Wakanda Forever.
Amy Murray
Featured image courtesy of Gage Skidmore on Flickr. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
Amy Murray
Hi! I'm Amy and I'm a 21 year old Journalism MA student at Ulster University, Coleraine. I am a Music graduate and I love writing culture and lifestyle stories.