The world was shocked and saddened on Friday night to discover that movie superstar, Chadwick Boseman, had passed away after a battle with colon cancer. He was 43 years old.
Most recently, Boseman captured legions of fans by starring in the Marvel blockbuster “Black Panther”, catapulting a relatively unknown superhero outside of the comic world and turning him into a household name. T’Challa was also an important figure for the black community, who up until that point, didn’t have a superhero presented to them with the skill and grace of an actor like Boseman.
And it wasn’t just Black Panther.
Boseman played Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall, all in performances which brought him acclaim. This list of characters alone could illustrate versatility but to watch Boseman actually bring each of these characters to life was a joy. What couldn’t he do?
The last movie I watched and reviewed of Boseman was “21 Bridges” a cop movie that would have sunk if it’s lead didn’t put in the work to make it exciting and to elevate it to the level where an audience could invest and care about Boseman’s character. He did that by bringing a tremendous presence to the screen.
It was that presence that made him the first reveal of returning heroes in Avengers: Endgame. One of the most emotional and applause provoking moments in the most successful film of all time.
T’Challa emerges from a portal. Looks at Steve Rogers and gives the slightest of nods.
The whole world cheered. Including myself.
And now we remember. And we remain grateful.
Rest In Peace.
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