CHADWICK REMEMBERED Luis explains why cinematic King T’Challa was so important The technological prowess of Iron Man, the fighting skills of Captain America, the noble heritage of Thor—Black Panther is a perfect mix of the founding members of the Avengers. Unfortunately, he has never really been treated as such. This all changed in the Marvel cinematic universe when Chadwick Boseman brilliantly played King T’Challa. With a humble, understated grace, Boseman stole the scene every time he appeared on screen. Elegant and powerful, Boseman shined. He single-handedly changed the trajectory of a character who debuted more than 50 years earlier. Often an afterthought in the comics, T’Challa was now a star on screen. Black Panther quickly became Marvel’s highest-grossing solo film (over $700 million domestically far outpaces second place Captain Marvel at $426 million domestically). Prior to Black Panther, the Marvel cinematic universe was not known for its diversity. The only significant characters of color were supporting players Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson) and James Rhodes (Don Cheadle). That all changed significantly when Ryan Coogler—previously of Creed and Fruitvale Station—was hired to put together Black Panther. The movie turned into a celebration of African culture that was never before so accessible on film. The emotional anchor of the film was the awe-inspiring performances of Boseman and Michael B. Jordan. Two sides of the same coin, T’Challa and Erick Killmonger played off each other perfectly. This filmed proved once and for all that diversity matters in every genre. For even more evidence of this look at Marvel’s upcoming slate of releases, Black Panther 2, Blade, The Eternals, and Shang-Chi, all centered around non-white leads. With last week’s tragic and sudden passing of Chadwick, the Marvel cinematic universe will never be the same. He blessed us all with a careerdefining turn as the regal king of Wakanda. Robert Downey Jr. recently said, “Black Panther is hands down, it is the crowning achievement of the Marvel universe... It was the one where people got to vote with their ticket sales and say we require this overdue diversity.” He also remembered Chadwick as “humble, hardworking, and always having a smile on his face.” Rest well, King. Wakanda forever.
WAKANDA FOREVER
If he had the space, Luis says he would totally display these Hasbro Marvel Legends figures from the Black Panther movie series. Especially if he had an M’Baku figure. “The Lupita likeness is uncanny,” he says. “It might be the best likeness in a Marvel figure.” The level of piping and sculpting are impressive. “It’s a handsome, handsome figure. I wish the Chadwick figure resembled Chadwick as closely.” The unmasked head is so unlike Mr. Boseman, we didn’t even bother to photograph it as an option.
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Art Department Weekly • September 8, 2020
