Chadwick Boseman Worried Black Panther 2 Would Not Happen

John Kani recalls Chadwick Boseman wanting Black Panther to be as good as it can be since they might not have another chance to make a similar film. The South African actor, playwright, and director portrayed T'Challa's father, and former king of Wakanda in Captain America: Civil War, followed by another appearance in Ryan Coogler's groundbreaking film. Now, he opens up about his experience working on Black Panther on the heels of Boseman's passing.

Last week, Hollywood and the world were shocked to learn about Boseman's untimely passing. As it turns out, the actor was secretly battling colon cancer for 4 years until he succumbed to it. There were no indications that Boseman was fighting for his life since he was diagnosed with the illness in 2016. In fact, he remained active in his work as an actor, starring in a string of films including his own MCU movie in Black Panther. A critical and commercial success for Marvel Studios, the movie was also a cultural phenomenon — something that Boseman and Coogler may not have anticipated.

Kani talked South African Morning to pay tribute to Boseman and shared about what it was like working with him in Black Panther. Interestingly, the actor revealed that Coogler and Boseman were motivated to make sure that the project will be as good as they can make it to be since they might not be given another chance to do something like it.

"It was an incredible presence of a young man who is incredibly tense, urgent, and absolutely focused. He knew most, more than us, that this was a moment of time, and it was Africa's time. He felt quite seriously with Ryan Coogler, 'Guys, we've got one chance to do an all-Black movie, in Hollywood, funded by Marvel, and to make it the biggest success we can. Because this opportunity might not come again.' He was that kind of actor."

In hindsight, it sounds ridiculous to think that Black Panther may not merit a follow-up from Marvel. Outside of the fact that it was so successful, even Robert Downey Jr. thought that it was the crowning jewel of the MCU, the franchise's solo outings are usually guaranteed a trilogy. The immense pressure to deliver a quality movie motivated everyone to give it their best shot — even Boseman, who was already battling colon cancer when the movie was in production. Nevertheless, Boseman persevered; he stayed focused and committed to the part knowing that much of it rested on his shoulders. It's awe-inspiring how he's able to push forward with a project that demanded so much from him in the middle of his personal struggles. If anything, Black Panther raised the bar in terms of the quality of MCU films and comic book movies in general.

Boseman was supposed to return for Black Panther sequel slated in 2022, which will once again be directed by Ryan Coogler. His passing obviously left a massive void on the much-anticipated project and MCU as a whole and a sensitive issue that needs to be handled carefully. While he will no longer be able to return as T'Challa on the big screen, one thing is for sure: his presence will loom over the project.

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Source: South African Morning