‘Black Panther’ Cast and More Marvel Stars Mourn Chadwick Boseman: ‘Rest in Peace and Power’

Credit: Walt Disney Studios/Moviestore/Shutterstock

'Black Panther' Cast and More Marvel Stars Mourn Chadwick Boseman: 'Rest in Peace and Power'

Sending their love. Many members of the Marvel family spoke out on Friday, August 28, following the breaking news that Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed T'Challa in 2018's Black Panther, died at age 43. “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the family said in a statement on Friday. “Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.” The statement continued: “He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.” Over the years, Boseman appeared in multiple Avengers films, making his debut as Black Panther in 2016's Captain America: Civil War. Two years later, he led his own film, Black Panther, before appearing in Avengers: Infinity War. In 2019, Black Panther made a cameo in Avengers: End Game. In 2019, when Black Panther won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, the 42 star took the stage. "I think of two questions we have received: 1.) Did we know that this movie was going to receive this kind of response? 2.) Has it changed the industry?" he began. "My answer to that is to be young, gifted and Black. We all know what it’s like to be told that there’s not a place for you to be featured. We know what it’s like to be told that there’s not a screen for you to be featured on — a stage for you to be featured on.” [jwplayer wCMYZ3iD-l3ahXupL] He added: “We know what it’s like to be the tail and not the head. We know what it’s like to be beneath and not above, and that is what we went to work with every day because we know that had something special that we wanted to give the world — that we could be full human beings in the roles that we were playing. That we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see.” Following his death, the cast of Black Panther and other Avengers cast members shared their thoughts on social media. Additionally, the DC Comics Twitter account — DC is the famous Marvel rival — tweeted a powerful statement. "To a hero who transcends universes. Wakanda Forever," the statement read. "Rest in Power Chadwick." Scroll down for more reactions. Hear the Us Weekly editors break down the most surprising celebrity births during the pandemic in under 2 minutes!

Credit: Walt Disney Studios/Moviestore/Shutterstock

'Black Panther' Cast and More Marvel Stars Mourn Chadwick Boseman: 'Rest in Peace and Power'

Sending their love. Many members of the Marvel family spoke out on Friday, August 28, following the breaking news that Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed T'Challa in 2018's Black Panther, died at age 43. “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the family said in a statement on Friday. “Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.” The statement continued: “He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.” Over the years, Boseman appeared in multiple Avengers films, making his debut as Black Panther in 2016's Captain America: Civil War. Two years later, he led his own film, Black Panther, before appearing in Avengers: Infinity War. In 2019, Black Panther made a cameo in Avengers: End Game. In 2019, when Black Panther won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, the 42 star took the stage. "I think of two questions we have received: 1.) Did we know that this movie was going to receive this kind of response? 2.) Has it changed the industry?" he began. "My answer to that is to be young, gifted and Black. We all know what it’s like to be told that there’s not a place for you to be featured. We know what it’s like to be told that there’s not a screen for you to be featured on — a stage for you to be featured on.” [jwplayer wCMYZ3iD-l3ahXupL] He added: “We know what it’s like to be the tail and not the head. We know what it’s like to be beneath and not above, and that is what we went to work with every day because we know that had something special that we wanted to give the world — that we could be full human beings in the roles that we were playing. That we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see.” Following his death, the cast of Black Panther and other Avengers cast members shared their thoughts on social media. Additionally, the DC Comics Twitter account — DC is the famous Marvel rival — tweeted a powerful statement. "To a hero who transcends universes. Wakanda Forever," the statement read. "Rest in Power Chadwick." Scroll down for more reactions. Hear the Us Weekly editors break down the most surprising celebrity births during the pandemic in under 2 minutes!

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Michael B. Jordan

Boseman’s onscreen rival broke his silence on the actor’s death on August 31. “I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel,” Jordan began his Instagram tribute to his Black Panther costar. “I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything. I wish we had more time.”

He promised to dedicate “the rest of my days to live the way you did” after praising Boseman’s legacy. “With grace, courage, and no regrets. ‘Is this your king!?’ Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother,” the Creed star concluded.

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Winston Duke

"How do I start to honor a man who I saw as a giant in many ways; with whom I thought I had so much more time...I am absolutely devastated by the loss of my friend and hero, Chadwick Boseman," the actor, who portrayed M'Baku in Black Panther and other Avengers films, penned in a thoughtful Instagram statement on August 31. "I feel sick ... I'm in pain and I can't believe he's gone. Chadwick was a lightning rod for me... he gave me direction... when I saw '42,' I said, I could be like THIS guy. I knew I belonged because I could see myself in you... that's what heroes do."

Duke thanked his late costar for helping pave the way for Black actors and for making it possible for so many young people to "see our potential best selves" in each of his projects. "Chadwick then proceeded to show us collectively every day on set what it was to be a leading man. Not only through his work but by how he welcomed and created a space for all of us to feel safe, open and bold," the Us star continued. "Chadwick, Thank you! Chadwick, you are the best...you are me and I'm you and we are all one! Thanks for being someone I could look up to on and off screen ... your calm confidence was inspiring and exemplary. Thanks for sharing with me... you go ahead ...you did your job and did it well! You will NEVER be forgotten. Your heroism is now legend. We'll carry the load and honor your legacy, the rest of the way! Bless King!"

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Danai Gurira

“How do you honor a king? Reeling from the loss of my colleague, my friend, my brother. Struggling for words. Nothing feels adequate,” the actress, who played Okoye in Black Panther, wrote via Instagram. “I always marveled at how special Chadwick was. Such a pure hearted, profoundly generous, regal, fun guy. My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy. He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with. A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation.”

Gurira told fans that Boseman “made everyone feel loved, heard and seen” both on and off the screen.

“He played great, iconic roles because he possessed inside of himself that connection to greatness to be able to so richly bring them to life. He had a heroic spirit, and marched to the beat of his own drum; hence his excellence as an artist and the incredible courage and determination as he faced life’s challenges; while still guiding us all,” she continued. “He was zen and sweet and funny (with the very best laugh), attentive, and truly, truly, good. I can’t even wrap my mind around this loss. A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe. The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the Black Panther journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend.”

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Ryan Coogler

The Black Panther director and cowriter paid tribute to Boseman in a lengthy statement to Deadline on August 30. He wrote that before he signed on to direct the film, he saw the actor's performance as T'Challa in an unfinished cut of Captain America: Civil War. Seeing Boseman talking on screen in Xhosa with John Kani, who played his father, King T'Chaka, became the "moment I knew I wanted to make this movie." Coogler explained that Boseman had learned the South African actor's native language on the spot for the scene and had "advocated for his character to speak with an African accent, so that he could present T'Challa to audiences as an African king, whose dialect had not been conquered by the West."

Coogler then remembered meeting Boseman in person in early 2016 at a press junket. "I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly," he wrote. "He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time."

"He was a special person," Coogler continued. "We would often speak about heritage and what it means to be African. When preparing for the film, he would ponder every decision, every choice, not just for how it would reflect on himself, but how those choices could reverberate. 'They not ready for this, what we are doing…' 'This is Star Wars, this is Lord of the Rings, but for us … and bigger!' He would say this to me while we were struggling to finish a dramatic scene, stretching into double overtime. Or while he was covered in body paint, doing his own stunts. Or crashing into frigid water, and foam landing pads. I would nod and smile, but I didn't believe him. I had no idea if the film would work. I wasn't sure I knew what I was doing. But I look back and realize that Chad knew something we all didn't. He was playing the long game. All while putting in the work. And work he did."

The director added that Boseman came to auditions for supporting roles, something lead actors in big-budget films don't usually do. "In Winston Duke's [audition for M'Baku], he turned a chemistry read into a wrestling match. Winston broke his bracelet. In Letitia Wright's audition for Shuri, she pierced his royal poise with her signature humor, and would bring about a smile to T'Challa's face that was 100 percent Chad."

Coogler revealed that he didn't know Boseman was battling colon cancer.

"Chad deeply valued his privacy, and I wasn't privy to the details of his illness," he explained. "After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he's left for us."

"I haven't grieved a loss this acute before," Coogler continued. "I spent the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say, that we weren't destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won't be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take."

"It hurts more to know that we can't have another conversation, or Facetime, or text message exchange," he wrote. "He would send vegetarian recipes and eating regimens for my family and me to follow during the pandemic. He would check in on me and my loved ones, even as he dealt with the scourge of cancer."

"In African cultures we often refer to loved ones that have passed on as ancestors. Sometimes you are genetically related. Sometimes you are not," Coogler concluded. "I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad's character, T'Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda. We were in Atlanta, in an abandoned warehouse, with bluescreens, and massive movie lights, but Chad's performance made it feel real. I think it was because from the time that I met him, the ancestors spoke through him. It's no secret to me now how he was able to skillfully portray some of our most notable ones. I had no doubt that he would live on and continue to bless us with more. But it is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again."

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Letitia Wright

"This hurts. Really hurts," Boseman's Black Panther costar tweeted.

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Scarlett Johansson

“Chadwick was not only a deeply soulful and powerful actor, but he was such a kind, thoughtful, funny and gentle person," the Avengers star said in a statement. "He brightened everyone's day every time he walked into our hair and makeup trailer or on set with his beautiful smile.”

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Robert Downey Jr.

"Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life... That’s heroism... I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game... #chadwickforever," the Iron Man star captioned a GIF of the duo laughing via Instagram.

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Sebastian Stan

“Today is beyond devastating to comprehend. Just shock and pain...I was in awe of Chadwick, as an actor, in his commitment to the work and as a human,” Stan wrote via Instagram. “I looked up to him. The way he carried himself, how thoughtful and mindful he was, how generous...he elevated everyone around him. None of it makes sense to me. There was so much more coming from this man. It’s such a loss. Such a shame.” 

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Jeremy Renner

“Chadwick is an inspiration, a warrior with a big kind heart that I’ll never forget,” Renner posted via Instagram. “I’m so deeply heartbroken by his passing. Sending love to the Boseman family ... R.I.P.”

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Chris Hemsworth

"Gonna miss you mate," Hemsworth posted via Instagram. "Absolutely heartbreaking. One of the kindest most genuine people I’ve met. Sending love and support to all the family xo RIP @chadwickboseman."

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Tom Holland

“Chadwick, you were even more of a hero off screen than on. A role model not only to me on set, but to millions of others around the world,” Holland wrote via Instagram. “You brought joy and happiness to so many and I’m proud to have been able to call you a friend. RIP Chadwick.”

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Emily VanCamp

“Rest in Power Chadwick. I had the honor of working with Chadwick. We had brief interactions and I didn’t know him well but god did he make an impression. Kind, generous, rooted in his convictions and a true believer in his craft,” VanCamp wrote. “I remember feeling at ease around him, my anxiety of being on a big production that scared me at the time shifting in his presence. He reminded me that it was about the work. The rest didn’t matter and suddenly I relaxed. Not to mention the way he went on to change a generation. It breaks my heart that he can’t continue that journey but it will be fulfilled in his honor I’m sure.”

She concluded: “Thank you for being such a warrior @chadwickboseman #king #Wakandaforever Sending all the love to the Boseman family. ❤️❤️❤️.”

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Chris Evans

"I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking," Evans wrote, posting two photos of himself with Boseman. "Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King."

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Chris Pratt

"My prayers go out to Chadwick’s family and loved ones," Pratt tweeted. "The world will miss his tremendous talent. God rest his soul. #wakandaforever"

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Mark Ruffalo

"All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman," the Hulk actor tweeted. "What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King."

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Don Cheadle

"I will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me," Cheadle tweeted with a photo. "My God."

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Sterling K. Brown

"I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh," the This Is Us actor tweeted. "Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed."

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Angela Bassett

"It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther," the American Horror Story alum posted via Instagram. "During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son."

She added: "I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother...'thou aren’t not dead but flown afar...'. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince. #WakandaForever"

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Brie Larson

"Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace," Larson tweeted. "Who stood for so much more than himself, who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I'm honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend."

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Zoe Saldana

"I’m gonna have to tell Cy, Bowie and Zen that T’Challa has passed," she tweeted. "What other king can I tell them about now?"

In a longer Instagram statement, she added: "Rest in Power King T’Challa. My heart is so heavy right now. Your passing has hit me hard. I will tell my sons about you forever. You were one of the classiest men I have ever met in my life. It was an honor to have shared minutes with you on screen and to have crossed paths with you during press. Though our acquaintance was light you always left a lasting impression because of your energy, poise and gentle manner. May the Universe deliver you to your promise land brother."

Additionally, in Hindi she added, "May you finally rest in peace and in power. With what little you were here, you left an incredible legacy!"

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Dave Bautista

"#WakandaForever," Bautista posted along with a photo of himself in a Black Panther shirt.