Actor Michael B. Jordan Beyond Sad and Struggling To Come To Terms With Loss Of Friend and Black Panther Co-Star, Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman’s sudden death has been reverberating around Hollywood for the past few days, as the beloved star of Marvel’s Oscar-winning Black Panther lost his battle to colon cancer at the young age of 43. All corners of Hollywood have spoken up about Chadwick’s impact upon their lives, but it seems to be hitting his co-star Michael B. Jordan particularly hard.

It’s been a few years since the megahit Marvel’s Black Panther was released into theaters to wide acclaim. The movie heralded a shift in opinion on how “Black” movies are considered to be losses out of the gate. The film, in addition to becoming a financial success, was a pop culture smash. It became the first comic book film to be nominated for Best Picture and make over $1 billion dollars at the box office. Further, it established Chadwick Boseman, who played the titular character, as a household star.

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Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace.

A post shared by Black Panther (@blackpanther) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:10pm PDT

Chadwick’s sudden death shocked the world over this past weekend when it was announced. Also shocking was the fact that apparently only a select few even knew that Chadwick had been ill. He kept the information private and was surrounded by his family during his last moments. The world mourns a talent gone too soon, and one that had left indelible marks upon the roles he played and the world he played them in.

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A post shared by Black Panther (@blackpanther) on Aug 30, 2020 at 5:14am PDT

Tributes poured in, even from greats like Denzel Washington. Boseman had told a story about how Denzel Washington, with the mentorship and leadership from The Cosby Show actress Phylicia Rashad, paid for a group of Howard University students to British American Drama Academy’s Midsummer program. The prestigious program was too expensive for the students and Denzel’s help allowed them to experience the program for themselves.

“He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career,” Washington said in his statement. “God bless Chadwick Boseman.”

Denzel Washington Full Statement on the Legacy Of Chadwick Boseman

Boseman’s Black Panther director, auteur Ryan Coogler, also released a poignant statement about Chadwick’s passing. The man that lead Coogler’s film to become historic in Hollywood, and one of notoriously few words outside of his movies, gave a stirring tribute to “King T’Challa.”

“I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad’s character, T’Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda,” read part of his statement. He ended with, “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.” Read full statement here.

Ryan Coogler Full Statement on the Legacy of Chadwick Boseman

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One of the largest stars in Boseman’s orbit was his scene partner Michael B. Jordan, who played opposite him in Black Panther as Erik Killmonger. The two stars served as a powerful image to viewers of the film of powerful Black men fighting for control of their individual destinies.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Jordan was “struggling” and “beyond sad” by the death of Boseman, at a loss for words and was “rocked” by the news. However, he took to his own Instagram to release a moving statement about his friend.

Capping his post off with the statement, “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is!  Rest In Power Brother,” Jordan summed up how many felt with the passing of Black culture’s Marvel king, Chadwick Boseman.

See the full statement below from Jordan.

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I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything. I wish we had more time. One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness. I wish we had more time. Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family , your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here. I wish we had more time. I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother.

A post shared by Michael B. Jordan (@michaelbjordan) on Aug 31, 2020 at 4:47pm PDT