‘A Singular Pain:’ Marvel Co-Star Speaks On Chadwick Boseman’s Death

Chadwick Boseman, the beloved and talented actor who shot to stardom as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther, tragically passed away on August 28, 2020. The hero became an instant icon for the black community after first appearing in Captain America: Civil War (2016). Chadwick Boseman’s death was a complete and utter shock to many because the Marvel superhero kept his four-year battle with colorectal cancer private. Boseman was only 43 years old at the time of his death.

On the third anniversary of his passing, Marvel co-star, good friend of Boseman, and acclaimed actress Lupita Nyong’o honored his memory and his profound impact on people. On Instagram, Nyong’o shared a picture from their trip to South Korea and included a touching caption.

Lupita Nyong’o’s tribute to Chadwick Boseman on the 3rd anniversary of his passing:

“Death is hard to understand, maybe even harder to accept. But the love generated from the life he lived will fuel every anniversary marking his absence.” pic.twitter.com/qOp1eSlRdu

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) August 28, 2023

Her post reads,

Three years ago today, I experienced a singular pain at the news of Chadwick Boseman’s death. The confusion was so profound that it took months to trust the feeling of joy again.

This is a photo I took on film at the airport as we arrived in South Korea in 2018. We had just learned to do the baby heart with our fingers. Here Chadwick was adding his suave flare. We spent a glorious 72 hours there, and the memory fills me with so much joy.

Death is hard to understand, maybe even harder to accept. But the love generated from the life he lived will fuel every anniversary marking his absence. 

Chadwick may no longer be in our photos, but he will always be in our hearts.

Nyong’o plays Boseman’s on-screen lover and fierce Wakanda warrior, Nakita, in the first Black Panther (2018) film as well as the 2022 sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She expressed her immeasurable grief immediately after Chadwick Boseman’s death announcement in a heartfelt Instagram post, calling him her “big brother.

Today Nyong’o’s post echos her original tribute to Boseman’s dedication to his craft, significant impact on her life, gratitude for his friendship, and for the lessons he taught her, both professionally and personally. Boseman previously used his platform to insist that she and their fellow female co-stars receive equal recognition and treatment for their work.

Because of his character, family, friends, and fans saw him as a true hero, on and off the screen, and were shocked he was able to keep his struggles with cancer a secret for so long.

Marvel Studios has “replaced” T’Challa’s Black Panther with his sister Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, who assumed her brother’s superhero role in the sequel.