Currently, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is running in theatres. The film already created a lot of buzz when the question arose after Chadwick’s death, who will play the character of T’Challa in the franchise? The fans were vehement in their protest of casting a new actor in the film. So, after a lot of deliberation, Ryan Coogler decided to go ahead and make the film retaining its old cast. It is now having a thunderous run and has collected $114 worldwide. But, the cast, including Lupita Nyong’o couldn’t comprehend Boseman’s loss.
It was difficult to wrap our heads around the fact that the actor is no more. Chadwick died in 2020 after battling colon cancer for four years. The ‘Da 5 Bloods’ actor created a cultural and box-office storm when he was featured in the 2018 blockbuster ‘Black Panther’. Post his death, many of his co-stars pondered over how brilliant he was as an actor and how kind he was as a person. His co-star, Lupita Nyong’o shared some bittersweet memories in a past interview.
Also Read: How ‘Black Panther 2’ Costume Pays Tribute To Chadwick Boseman
“I Couldn’t Believe It”: Lupita Nyong’o On Losing Chadwick Boseman
In October 2022, the ‘Us’ actress gave an interview with The Hollywood Reporter talking about her career and Chadwick Boseman. In the second installment of the franchise, Nyong’o plays the role of Nakia, the sovereign support of Letitia Wright’s Shuri post-T’Challa’s death. The actress was aware of his sickness, but like others, she did not have any idea that he was battling cancer. She got the news from Viola Davis which she couldn’t believe. She said, “I was paralyzed”.
Lupita described him as a leader with an aura. However, he marked his boundaries. Lupita said, “There were moments when Chadwick said no to me, and I was not happy with him. I fought tooth and nail to change his mind, and he would ever so quietly be like, ‘I know, but no,’ with love.”
She insisted that he come to South Africa with her and Danai Gurira to promote the film, but he declined. “I felt it was important to have him on the continent, as an African American coming to South Africa. I thought that was a potent symbol, and he wouldn’t go.”
Also Read: Lupita Nyong’o Net Worth: How Rich Is The ‘Black Panther’ Actress?
How Chadwick Inspired The Actress
Chadwick was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in 2016. He filmed the first franchise while battling Cancer. Unfortunately, he couldn’t live to continue with the legacy that he created with his enthralling performance in the first film. It was culturally an important film. Lupita, however, was unaware of his chronic illness. She kept insisting upon joining him, but he respectfully declined his offer. But, now looking back at it, the actress realized that it was the illness that prevented him.
The ’12 Years a Slave’ actress said, “Now I understand he was battling cancer and probably had medical reasons. I tried everything. I tried charm. I debated him on the political front, and he smiled, he sighed, and he was just like, ‘I know, Lupita. I can’t go.”
Lupita described how he was an inspiration to her. “He affected how I move in the world. But that’s the thing about Chadwick. Chadwick wasn’t trying to have everyone be like him. What he inspired was you to be your best self. So how I’m going to lead a set is nowhere near — I’m not that person. I’m not Chadwick at all. I’ll never be.”
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is currently running in theatres.
Also Read: “Most Unique Person I’ve Ever Met”:’Black Panther’ Director On Chadwick Boseman
