Chadwick Boseman’s Impact on ‘Black Panther’

In a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, director Ryan Coogler opened up about the profound loss of actor Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Boseman’s role as T’Challa in the groundbreaking film “Black Panther” left an indelible mark on the film industry and audiences around the world.

Michael B. Jordan’s Emotional Response

Coogler revealed that among his cast, Michael B. Jordan felt Boseman’s death the most deeply. He stated, “Out of all of my actors, Chad’s death actually hit Mike the hardest,” highlighting the close relationship they shared during and after filming.

He described Boseman as “a fully baked man from the South,” adding that he exemplified qualities of a traditional masculine figure, contrasting with the youthfulness that Coogler and Jordan displayed during their collaboration. Coogler expressed admiration for Boseman’s wisdom, saying, “He was the kind of teacher who you never knew you was [giving] a lesson when he taught. It was all by example.”

Inspiration and Legacy

Ryan Coogler emphasized the lessons Boseman imparted, particularly in terms of patience and dedication. “He moved at an old-school pace and he took his time, but he was always early. He was that type of dude,” Coogler reflected. Additionally, he encouraged Jordan to consider Boseman’s approach when preparing for roles, saying, “Hey bro, what would Chad do in this role?”

Upcoming Projects

Coogler also credited Boseman with helping him and Jordan stay focused during the production of their upcoming film “Sinners,” which is set to be released in theaters on April 18, 2024. In this film, Jordan plays twin brothers returning to their hometown to confront a supernatural menace. Coogler noted that witnessing Boseman’s craft “up close” has significantly inspired both him and Jordan in their work.