How Chadwick Boseman “Freaked Out” Disney Execs on Black Panther

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Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther, recounted a story about Chadwick Boseman‘s dedication to his role during filming. During an interview on The Breakfast Club radio show to publicize his upcoming movie Sinners, Coogler spoke fondly about the late Boseman. He emphasized Boseman’s incredible work ethic, mentioning that he was so invested in playing T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther that he went above and beyond, continuing to embody the character even when cameras weren’t rolling. This dedication extended to maintaining the character’s unique accent throughout the entire production, which left Disney executives quite impressed.

Ryan Coogler stated, “He spoke with an African-influenced tone.” During the production of Black Panther, Disney executives visited us. It was the second week, and when they arrived, they were startled to hear the T’Challa accent. I reassured them, “Don’t be alarmed. He’s working hard, and he keeps it up until we finish filming.

Following his initial appearance in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Captain America: Civil War” in 2016, Boseman starred in the standout film of 2018, “Black Panther.” This movie, which was a significant achievement for the franchise, became the first superhero film to be nominated for the Best Picture award at the Oscars. It also shattered box office records, earning an impressive $1.3 billion worldwide. Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa received widespread praise.

I had the privilege of once again stepping into the role of T’Challa in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame”. Regrettably, there were plans for me to return for the Black Panther sequel, but fate had other plans as I lost my battle with colon cancer in 2020. The sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, directed by Coogler, was beautifully transformed into a heartfelt tribute to my legacy.

Ryan Coogler’s memory underscores why Boseman was an ideal fit for T’Challa. The actor breathed life into the character, portraying him as both regal and powerful, captivating viewers whenever he appeared on screen. This ability to command presence was a consistent trait in all of his roles, from his outstanding performances in movies like “Da 5 Bloods” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” However, T’Challa stands out as Boseman’s most iconic role. He swiftly became a symbol within the superhero genre due to his unwavering commitment to his work. It’s heartbreaking that his life was cut short, leaving a void in the Marvel universe that remains unfilled to this day.

Despite only collaborating with Boseman on the initial Black Panther movie, it’s evident that the experience had a deep and lasting impact on director Coogler, whose work has been significantly influenced by his interactions with the actor. In an interview on The Breakfast Club, Coogler admitted that he and Michael B. Jordan often recalled the wisdom Boseman imparted during the making of Coogler’s upcoming film Sinners. It was this mentorship that helped Jordan prepare for his dual roles as twin brothers in the movie. As Coogler embarks on Black Panther 3, there’s no doubt that his time spent with Boseman will remain a crucial aspect of his creative process.

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2025-04-10 00:45