The Legacy of a King. The Soul of a Man
The death of Chadwick Boseman came as a shock in an already shocking year. Boseman’s death hit harder than most not only because of his comparatively young age but also because his work as King T’Challa had become a rallying point for many people who were (and are) fighting for racial equality. It is safe to say that The Black Panther film was one of the greatest catalysts in furthering the cause of racial-equality in both Hollywood and society in general. However, the premature loss of Boseman has been the starting point of several conversations within Social-Media. And unfortunately not all of them are the type of conversations that need to happen.
In my opinion, his death should start conversations about healthcare for actors. Boseman worked through most of his illness, and while actors do tend to keep their lives private, and a man like Boseman thought it his duty and responsibility to honor his work-commitments, I’m also sure that behind-the-scenes pressure of “I want my money’s worth” from studios also informed his decision to keep working and keeping the status of his health on the wraps. An actor like Boseman would be the latest in a long line of Hollywood stars who have been literally worked to death.
A conversation must be had about online-bullying and the ADHD riddled masses of Social-Media. When his rapid weight-loss became apparent he was bullied and derided on Social-media for his emaciated appearance. Now, it can be argued that criticism of this nature is part and parcel of the life of a celebrity, but there is criticism and then there is harassment. And we all know what the people of Social-media revel in more.
A conversation must be had on the things that Boseman stood for. Even before bagging the role that would be the brightest gem in his already sterling CV, Boseman stood up against racial profiling within the industry and rejected lucrative roles that required him to portray black-stereotypes. His choice of roles (Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall) reflected his desire to shine a light on the best and brightest of Black-culture.
These are some of the conversations that MUST be had. And they are happening. Unfortunately they’re drowned out by the conversation that has usurped the throne of people’s attention. And that is:
“Will Chadwick Boseman be replaced as King T’Challa in future Black Panther films?”
The overwhelming opinion is that Boseman was too good and too iconic to be replaced as T’Challa. The most acceptable replacement (as per popular discussions) would be for Killmonger to be brought back to life (using the Infinity Stones or some such means) and have HIM take on the mantle of The Black Panther. There are two ways in which I would like to address this question. As a comic-book reader and as a person who enjoys films:
As a film-lover: Iconic actors have taken on iconic-roles and have been replaced. While not every actor can achieve the same level of mass-appeal and comfort with it, it is not unusual for new actors to take on roles previously held by actors that were beloved. The James Bond franchise is an excellent example of this. The same can be said about the role of Joker which people said couldn’t be played by anyone after Heath Ledger. And yet, Joaquin not only did the role justice but in some ways surpassed his late friend’s performance as the Clown Prince of Crime. So yes, I would be interested to see who the new Black Panther is and I do not believe that it would be a sign of ‘disrespect’ to Boseman or his legacy if the role was re-cast.
As a Comic-book reader: Saying that the only tolerable replacement for Boseman’s Black Panther would be to have Killmonger take on the mantle is an insult to the character of Shuri, who has been The Black Panther in comic-books and is regarded as a better ruler than T’Challa. If people are styling themselves as ‘the guardians’ of Boseman’s work, then it would behoove them to extend the same respect and courtesy to his on-screen family members. An inability to consider a female Black Panther (which is consistent with Black Panther canon) is a much bigger problem than having some other male-actor take the role.
So, that’s it. My two-cents (and a few extra pennies worth) on the matter of Chadwick Boseman’s death. I think it is more important to remember him as a good Man in life, rather than a great King on-screen
