“You have to cherish things in a different way when you know the clock is ticking, you are under pressure.” The following words were spoken by the actor Chadwick Boseman, who played the Marvel character, Black Panther. When news released that the actor died to Stage IV cancer, fans all over the world were devastated by the tragic demise.
Being born to a moderately poor family, Boseman did not lead an easy life. Boseman’s childhood had been marked with cruel racism and the usage of racial slurs. Initially, he pursued to be a basketball player but quit after a fellow teammate was shot. Afterward, he followed his brothers footsteps and pursuit theatrics, learning, and teaching acting. Soon, he was offered a job that forever changed his life.
On 16th February 2018, the movie “Black Panther” was released, embarking the first black superhero, and a victory for the black community. The audiences were extremely enthusiastic, and repeated viewings were common. Many came to theaters dressed in African-inspired clothing and accessories, often using a greeting from the film, “Wakanda forever,” as a convivial rallying cry. “Black Panther” soon became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, with more than $1.3 billion in earnings globally. Its success represented a moment of hope, pride, and empowerment for Black moviegoers around the world. The decades of discrimination against Black-led films were reduced significantly, and several other black artists experienced increased visibility.
Due to the same success, it is rumored that Marvel producers intended on continuing the franchise without Boseman, leading to several angry protests. It is clear that fans all over the world believe that there is no Black Panther without Boseman. After all, the King of Wakanda shall forever be remembered in our hearts.