Chadwick Boseman, the Black Panther, has died
August 28, 2020 7:46 PM Subscribe
Variety reports the actor was 42 years old. The Black Panther star has battled colon cancer since 2016, Variety said, linking to a tweet on the actor's account. “It was the honor of his life to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
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posted by jenkinsEar at 7:47 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by jenkinsEar at 7:47 PM on August 28, 2020
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posted by The Nutmeg of Consolation at 7:52 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by The Nutmeg of Consolation at 7:52 PM on August 28, 2020
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posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 7:52 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 7:52 PM on August 28, 2020
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posted by dannyboybell at 7:52 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by dannyboybell at 7:52 PM on August 28, 2020
Wakanda Forever.
posted by Your Childhood Pet Rock at 7:53 PM on August 28, 2020 [33 favorites]
posted by Your Childhood Pet Rock at 7:53 PM on August 28, 2020 [33 favorites]
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posted by nickggully at 7:54 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by nickggully at 7:54 PM on August 28, 2020
He was filming during his surgeries and chemotherapy sessions. The man had a giant will.
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posted by hippybear at 7:55 PM on August 28, 2020 [52 favorites]
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posted by hippybear at 7:55 PM on August 28, 2020 [52 favorites]
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posted by Alterscape at 7:57 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by Alterscape at 7:57 PM on August 28, 2020
I loved the clever wit and quiet dignity he brought to SNL's Black Jeopardy with T'Challa.
Also “Aw hell naw Karen. Keep your bland ass potato to yourself.”
posted by kirkaracha at 7:57 PM on August 28, 2020 [55 favorites]
Also “Aw hell naw Karen. Keep your bland ass potato to yourself.”
posted by kirkaracha at 7:57 PM on August 28, 2020 [55 favorites]
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posted by mochapickle at 7:59 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by mochapickle at 7:59 PM on August 28, 2020
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posted by Countess Elena at 8:01 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by Countess Elena at 8:01 PM on August 28, 2020
Every time I think 2020 can't get any worse.
I'm shocked and grieving. 43 is way to damn young. What an amazing talent.
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posted by Frayed Knot at 8:02 PM on August 28, 2020 [7 favorites]
I'm shocked and grieving. 43 is way to damn young. What an amazing talent.
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posted by Frayed Knot at 8:02 PM on August 28, 2020 [7 favorites]
Truly shocking. Those performances while undergoing treatment for colon cancer over the past four years? A true superhero indeed. Rest in Power.
posted by Ahmad Khani at 8:02 PM on August 28, 2020 [35 favorites]
posted by Ahmad Khani at 8:02 PM on August 28, 2020 [35 favorites]
holy shit, no
posted by Reclusive Novelist Thomas Pynchon at 8:03 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Reclusive Novelist Thomas Pynchon at 8:03 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
Crushingly, heartbreakingly horrible. Fuck Cancer.
posted by Kat Allison at 8:03 PM on August 28, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by Kat Allison at 8:03 PM on August 28, 2020 [9 favorites]
Oh my god, this is terrible and shocking! He was so talented, and so young. What a loss.
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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:04 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:04 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
2020: we can't have anything
posted by Ahmad Khani at 8:04 PM on August 28, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by Ahmad Khani at 8:04 PM on August 28, 2020 [7 favorites]
Shocked, saddened, gutted. This year, man.
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posted by sencha at 8:04 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by sencha at 8:04 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
This is terrible news. It’s fair to say that he was best-known for his work in the Marvel movies. The MCU has stretched to about two dozen movies now. Others of them may have had more success, but I think none was as game-changing for POC performers and creators as Black Panther — not just for superhero movies but for American movies — and Boseman’s incredibly charismatic performance was at the heart of that. We lost a giant.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 8:05 PM on August 28, 2020 [20 favorites]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 8:05 PM on August 28, 2020 [20 favorites]
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posted by No One Ever Does at 8:05 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by No One Ever Does at 8:05 PM on August 28, 2020
No. Just no.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 8:05 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 8:05 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by ourobouros at 8:06 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by ourobouros at 8:06 PM on August 28, 2020
He also played Jackie Robinson in 42. (I also think his age is being reported incorrectly at some sites — if he was born in November 1977, he was 42....)
posted by sageleaf at 8:06 PM on August 28, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by sageleaf at 8:06 PM on August 28, 2020 [5 favorites]
Fuck cancer.
posted by crossoverman at 8:06 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by crossoverman at 8:06 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
I found out I had colon cancer in 2017, and mine was only stage 1b but recovery wrecked me for a long time afterward. I simply can't imagine doing what he did, he really was a superhero. A true king.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 8:07 PM on August 28, 2020 [68 favorites]
posted by kitten kaboodle at 8:07 PM on August 28, 2020 [68 favorites]
I'm so upset, I loved his acting so much. I liked Black Panther, but he was in my pantheon for costume dramas/historical flicks.
Colon cancer killed my grandfather, and I have to go get a colonoscopy now, don't I?
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:08 PM on August 28, 2020 [14 favorites]
Colon cancer killed my grandfather, and I have to go get a colonoscopy now, don't I?
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:08 PM on August 28, 2020 [14 favorites]
He also played Jackie Robinson in 42.
Indeed, and today is Jackie Robinson day, too…
posted by Ahmad Khani at 8:08 PM on August 28, 2020 [14 favorites]
Indeed, and today is Jackie Robinson day, too…
posted by Ahmad Khani at 8:08 PM on August 28, 2020 [14 favorites]
His performance in Da Five Bloods.
I keep trying to complete the thought but I’m just going to hit the post button. Fuck cancer.
posted by FallibleHuman at 8:08 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
I keep trying to complete the thought but I’m just going to hit the post button. Fuck cancer.
posted by FallibleHuman at 8:08 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
Black Panther busted open huge doors, such a landmark movie, and he'll always be the face of that. Terrible news.
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posted by rhizome at 8:09 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by rhizome at 8:09 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
So gutted. He was a legend. Too soon. This goddamn year.
Rest in power.
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posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 8:15 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
Rest in power.
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posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 8:15 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by ChuraChura at 8:15 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by ChuraChura at 8:15 PM on August 28, 2020
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posted by Emily's Fist at 8:16 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by Emily's Fist at 8:16 PM on August 28, 2020
NO
posted by Kitchen Witch at 8:16 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 8:16 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
NO NO NO NO
posted by Kitchen Witch at 8:16 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Kitchen Witch at 8:16 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by skye.dancer at 8:19 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by skye.dancer at 8:19 PM on August 28, 2020
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posted by Pickman's Next Top Model at 8:19 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by Pickman's Next Top Model at 8:19 PM on August 28, 2020
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This still doesn't even feel real.
posted by jameaterblues at 8:21 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
This still doesn't even feel real.
posted by jameaterblues at 8:21 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by Miss Cellania at 8:21 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by Miss Cellania at 8:21 PM on August 28, 2020
Holy shit, this is awful.
Black Panther changed superhero films. (Or it should, anyway.)
posted by kalimac at 8:21 PM on August 28, 2020 [3 favorites]
Black Panther changed superhero films. (Or it should, anyway.)
posted by kalimac at 8:21 PM on August 28, 2020 [3 favorites]
I cannot imagine how he did the work he did while going through that treatment. I’ve so enjoyed his performances, and am very sorry there won’t be more. He made one hell of a mark.
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posted by Songdog at 8:25 PM on August 28, 2020 [5 favorites]
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posted by Songdog at 8:25 PM on August 28, 2020 [5 favorites]
God damnit 2020, this is a really uncalled-for out-of-left-field gut punch.
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posted by mstokes650 at 8:25 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
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posted by mstokes650 at 8:25 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
I’m surprised at how hard this one hits. I hope his family will be okay. Rest In Peace, sir. .
posted by Going To Maine at 8:25 PM on August 28, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Going To Maine at 8:25 PM on August 28, 2020 [3 favorites]
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posted by cmfletcher at 8:27 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by cmfletcher at 8:27 PM on August 28, 2020
Black Panther changed superhero films. (Or it should, anyway.)
When a superhero flick directed by, written by, and starring Black artists can make two billion dollars at the box office (and pick up three Oscars) on the way, it should change more than just superhero movies.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 8:27 PM on August 28, 2020 [91 favorites]
When a superhero flick directed by, written by, and starring Black artists can make two billion dollars at the box office (and pick up three Oscars) on the way, it should change more than just superhero movies.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 8:27 PM on August 28, 2020 [91 favorites]
I am absolutely devastated. 2020 needs to fuck off forever already. He was also great as Thurgood Marshall and James Brown.
posted by TwoStride at 8:29 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by TwoStride at 8:29 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
Our reaction was "what the fuck" and now we're sitting here crying.
posted by joycehealy at 8:30 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by joycehealy at 8:30 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
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posted by BlackLeotardFront at 8:38 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 8:38 PM on August 28, 2020
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posted by brook horse at 8:42 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by brook horse at 8:42 PM on August 28, 2020
FUCK THIS SHIT FUCKING FUCK EVERYTHING
goddammit
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posted by tzikeh at 8:52 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
goddammit
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posted by tzikeh at 8:52 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
[WaPo so it might be paywalled]: here is his excellent SAG Awards speech in which he talks about how difficult it is to be "young, gifted, and Black" [note: a very specific allusion] in the film industry and how Black Panther was changing things.
posted by TwoStride at 8:54 PM on August 28, 2020 [14 favorites]
posted by TwoStride at 8:54 PM on August 28, 2020 [14 favorites]
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posted by Halloween Jack at 8:57 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by Halloween Jack at 8:57 PM on August 28, 2020
Yimbambe!
🙅♂️✊️😢
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 9:02 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
🙅♂️✊️😢
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 9:02 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
Consider this my entry for the next Fucking Fuck thread.
Enough, 2020. Enough already. 😭
posted by missmobtown at 9:07 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
Enough, 2020. Enough already. 😭
posted by missmobtown at 9:07 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
Rest in power, your Majesty.
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posted by The Ardship of Cambry at 9:08 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
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posted by The Ardship of Cambry at 9:08 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
From a 2017 interview:
You came off of one Black Panther project, did “Marshall” and then made another Black Panther movie. Did you bulk up, slim down and then bulk up again?
[Nods his head, looking exhausted] Right. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
You’ve been through the wringer.
Oh, you don’t even know [laughs]. You have no idea. One day I’ll live to tell the story.
posted by mogget at 9:10 PM on August 28, 2020 [137 favorites]
You came off of one Black Panther project, did “Marshall” and then made another Black Panther movie. Did you bulk up, slim down and then bulk up again?
[Nods his head, looking exhausted] Right. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
You’ve been through the wringer.
Oh, you don’t even know [laughs]. You have no idea. One day I’ll live to tell the story.
posted by mogget at 9:10 PM on August 28, 2020 [137 favorites]
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posted by brundlefly at 9:15 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by brundlefly at 9:15 PM on August 28, 2020
He played James Brown.
He played Jackie Robinson.
He played Thurgood Marshall.
He WAS the BLACK PANTHER.
man, Fuck 2020. I hate this year.
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posted by KillaSeal at 9:17 PM on August 28, 2020 [36 favorites]
He played Jackie Robinson.
He played Thurgood Marshall.
He WAS the BLACK PANTHER.
man, Fuck 2020. I hate this year.
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posted by KillaSeal at 9:17 PM on August 28, 2020 [36 favorites]
His performance in Da Five Bloods.
he gave us something to believe in...
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posted by kliuless at 9:41 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
he gave us something to believe in...
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posted by kliuless at 9:41 PM on August 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
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posted by Windopaene at 9:56 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by Windopaene at 9:56 PM on August 28, 2020
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posted by oneironaut at 9:57 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by oneironaut at 9:57 PM on August 28, 2020
What a shock. I don't really pay attention to celebrity stuff much, so usually I'm not aware that someone was ill, and everyone else who's more engaged with pop culture is expecting it. It's so strange to have everyone in the world as surprised as I am about this sort of news.
A friend pointed out that pretty much the whole time he was famous, he was dying. I can't stop thinking about it. Rest in power, T'Challa.
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posted by potrzebie at 9:59 PM on August 28, 2020 [24 favorites]
A friend pointed out that pretty much the whole time he was famous, he was dying. I can't stop thinking about it. Rest in power, T'Challa.
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posted by potrzebie at 9:59 PM on August 28, 2020 [24 favorites]
This is so fucked, it feels like he was just getting started
posted by windbox at 10:19 PM on August 28, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by windbox at 10:19 PM on August 28, 2020 [8 favorites]
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posted by double bubble at 10:25 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by double bubble at 10:25 PM on August 28, 2020
A non-paywalled llnk to the SAG award speech.
posted by M. at 10:36 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by M. at 10:36 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
This Jimmy Kimmel clip is good for a cry. And a laugh.
posted by Nelson at 10:37 PM on August 28, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Nelson at 10:37 PM on August 28, 2020 [6 favorites]
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posted by Major Clanger at 10:37 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by Major Clanger at 10:37 PM on August 28, 2020
Others of them may have had more success, but I think none was as game-changing for POC performers and creators as Black Panther
I’m a white mom raising a Black son, now 13. Black Panther was seminal for him in things like embracing his super-nappy hair and experimenting with various ways to wear it—that movie was super-inspirational on the hair front. But I think it also helped him develop a sense of himself as Black, and to start to feel an identification with that community that he couldn’t get from his otherwise all-white family.
He was really grieved to hear this news today.
posted by Orlop at 10:43 PM on August 28, 2020 [40 favorites]
I’m a white mom raising a Black son, now 13. Black Panther was seminal for him in things like embracing his super-nappy hair and experimenting with various ways to wear it—that movie was super-inspirational on the hair front. But I think it also helped him develop a sense of himself as Black, and to start to feel an identification with that community that he couldn’t get from his otherwise all-white family.
He was really grieved to hear this news today.
posted by Orlop at 10:43 PM on August 28, 2020 [40 favorites]
I remembered this Jimmy Fallon bit (Fallon mostly lurks in the background thank God) where fans "record a message for Chadwick Boseman" about Black Panther and what it means to them, and then he comes out from behind a curtain and surprises and greets them. I'm glad that he had a chance to get some of this praise for his performance. What a loss.
posted by Superilla at 10:58 PM on August 28, 2020 [26 favorites]
posted by Superilla at 10:58 PM on August 28, 2020 [26 favorites]
I just watched Black Panther again in his honor and...I'm just still in shock. I don't even have tears yet, but I know they will come. I can't even put it into words yet. All I can say is...Wakanda forever.
posted by MrBadExample at 11:01 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by MrBadExample at 11:01 PM on August 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
He radiated power and humility at the same time.
Like many others, I had no idea he was ill. I was just watching the Black Jeopardy segment yesterday to see his smile again.
Rest in peace, Chadwick. You were a light in this world.
posted by M. at 11:02 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
Like many others, I had no idea he was ill. I was just watching the Black Jeopardy segment yesterday to see his smile again.
Rest in peace, Chadwick. You were a light in this world.
posted by M. at 11:02 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
If we say "no" enough, will it bring him back? (I can't remember the last time I thought like this of any celebrity passing)
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posted by mephisjo at 11:04 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by mephisjo at 11:04 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by daybeforetheday at 11:06 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by daybeforetheday at 11:06 PM on August 28, 2020
Gutpunched.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 11:09 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 11:09 PM on August 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by dragstroke at 11:19 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by dragstroke at 11:19 PM on August 28, 2020
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posted by northernish at 11:44 PM on August 28, 2020
posted by northernish at 11:44 PM on August 28, 2020
Colon cancer killed my grandfather, and I have to go get a colonoscopy now, don't I?
The answer is yes. I didn't have one done at 50 when it's recommended one should and I actually did have the cancer at that time. If the doctors had caught it then they might have been able to stop it; as it is, they found it too late, so they have been able to slow it down, but it basically is going to kill me sometime soon.
So, yes, have the colonoscopy done if you think you should. It really could save your life.
posted by bertran at 12:02 AM on August 29, 2020 [89 favorites]
The answer is yes. I didn't have one done at 50 when it's recommended one should and I actually did have the cancer at that time. If the doctors had caught it then they might have been able to stop it; as it is, they found it too late, so they have been able to slow it down, but it basically is going to kill me sometime soon.
So, yes, have the colonoscopy done if you think you should. It really could save your life.
posted by bertran at 12:02 AM on August 29, 2020 [89 favorites]
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Echoing the all the Fuck 2020 in its ear sentiments. The last time I felt this gut punched over a celebrity death was Robin Williams.
Fuck 2020.
Fuck cancer.
posted by romakimmy at 12:07 AM on August 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
Echoing the all the Fuck 2020 in its ear sentiments. The last time I felt this gut punched over a celebrity death was Robin Williams.
Fuck 2020.
Fuck cancer.
posted by romakimmy at 12:07 AM on August 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
Very moving Reddit comment, worth reading in its entirety, by a Black poster who describes the experience of seeing Black Panther with her mother: “Both of us cried throughout the movie because we felt seen. Even if this was just a superhero film, it meant so much to us that we were just VISIBLE, and that racial trauma could be so aptly represented in such a blockbuster where the trauma wasn’t the sole point of the film. Black Panther was one of the few films that let Black people’s experiences not be defined by our oppression. I can’t thank Chadwick enough for being the glue that held the film together.”
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 12:27 AM on August 29, 2020 [25 favorites]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 12:27 AM on August 29, 2020 [25 favorites]
Such sadness. He was a huge talent, and should have had time to do so much more.
I will also miss his magnificent ability to wear fabulous clothes.
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posted by Pentickle at 1:29 AM on August 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
I will also miss his magnificent ability to wear fabulous clothes.
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posted by Pentickle at 1:29 AM on August 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
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This is such heartbreaking news, he was a true superhero. Rest in power.
posted by ellieBOA at 1:48 AM on August 29, 2020
This is such heartbreaking news, he was a true superhero. Rest in power.
posted by ellieBOA at 1:48 AM on August 29, 2020
Yes, please get colonoscopies if you have any family members who have had colon or bowel cancer. Is it a humiliating experience? oh my God, I will never ever forget it.. Am I glad I did it when I did (I was in my early 20s and my doctor was looking for something else)? Mixed feelings, but that's because my doctor at the time was a bastard. But am I going to do it again now that I know my grandpa was developing colon cancer right before he passed this year? Yes, and now I know what to expect.
Please do not be afraid to get tested if you can afford to. Do it for yourself and your loved ones, for your well-being and theirs.
posted by Kitchen Witch at 2:32 AM on August 29, 2020 [7 favorites]
Please do not be afraid to get tested if you can afford to. Do it for yourself and your loved ones, for your well-being and theirs.
posted by Kitchen Witch at 2:32 AM on August 29, 2020 [7 favorites]
I think none was as game-changing for POC performers or creators as Black Panther.
In the whole 1001 MOVIES YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE series, they have only ever included three MCU films - the first GUARDIANS one, INFINITY WAR, and BLACK PANTHER.
This sucks.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:26 AM on August 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
In the whole 1001 MOVIES YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE series, they have only ever included three MCU films - the first GUARDIANS one, INFINITY WAR, and BLACK PANTHER.
This sucks.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:26 AM on August 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by Faintdreams at 3:32 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by Faintdreams at 3:32 AM on August 29, 2020
P.S. - he is in the upcoming film adaptation of MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, and there are already whispers of an Oscar nomination for his performance. That should be hitting Netflix soon.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:53 AM on August 29, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:53 AM on August 29, 2020 [9 favorites]
Awful. What a terrible loss.
posted by obfuscation at 4:14 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by obfuscation at 4:14 AM on August 29, 2020
42?
I saw Black Panther, and I thought the man was in his 20s! Well, this is very sad to read. RIP.
posted by SoberHighland at 4:21 AM on August 29, 2020
I saw Black Panther, and I thought the man was in his 20s! Well, this is very sad to read. RIP.
posted by SoberHighland at 4:21 AM on August 29, 2020
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posted by Mouse Army at 4:41 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by Mouse Army at 4:41 AM on August 29, 2020
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posted by Foci for Analysis at 4:45 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by Foci for Analysis at 4:45 AM on August 29, 2020
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posted by pangolin party at 5:30 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by pangolin party at 5:30 AM on August 29, 2020
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posted by wheek wheek wheek at 5:34 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by wheek wheek wheek at 5:34 AM on August 29, 2020
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posted by Big Al 8000 at 5:43 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by Big Al 8000 at 5:43 AM on August 29, 2020
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posted by Faint of Butt at 5:45 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by Faint of Butt at 5:45 AM on August 29, 2020
Dumb question asked by someone who has no idea of the intricacies involved, but why the hell haven't we cured cancer by now ...
We have cured some forms of cancer. I know, because both me and my wife have survived bouts with cancer and are now considered “cured”.
The truth about cancer is that it is an umbrella term that covers a whole bunch of diseases with different causes and ways of manifesting in the body.
posted by Big Al 8000 at 5:51 AM on August 29, 2020 [24 favorites]
We have cured some forms of cancer. I know, because both me and my wife have survived bouts with cancer and are now considered “cured”.
The truth about cancer is that it is an umbrella term that covers a whole bunch of diseases with different causes and ways of manifesting in the body.
posted by Big Al 8000 at 5:51 AM on August 29, 2020 [24 favorites]
His tribute to Denzel Washington, which included a surprising personal connection I did not know about.
posted by aclevername at 5:52 AM on August 29, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by aclevername at 5:52 AM on August 29, 2020 [4 favorites]
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posted by JakeEXTREME at 5:59 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by JakeEXTREME at 5:59 AM on August 29, 2020
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posted by Nat "King" Cole Porter Wagoner at 6:06 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by Nat "King" Cole Porter Wagoner at 6:06 AM on August 29, 2020
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posted by LobsterMitten at 6:11 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by LobsterMitten at 6:11 AM on August 29, 2020
Da 5 Bloods performance, Black Panther's afterlife scenes, now it feels like he was picking roles that could insure against his passing. Like a King.
posted by eustatic at 6:18 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by eustatic at 6:18 AM on August 29, 2020
Hit me hard this morning. I had a very personal reaction, unusual for me when I admire a particular public figure who dies. That's because my life partner has stage 4 colon cancer, though he's 30 years older then Chadwick Bozeman.
What's interesting is that just having colon cancer doesn't mean you're terribly ill in the beginning, and the actor's performances illustrate that. Right now my husband's gastric symptoms are the problem, symptoms that could just as well have been IBS or IBD if he didn't have a diagnosis. But it's really tiring, and I don't know how Bozeman managed to just deal with teh exhaustion that seems to be part of this thing.
People right now are being terribly sympathetic, as if my partner was wasting away before my eyes, as if I'm spoon feeding him. Nah. It's pretty much business as normal. It won't end well, and as I tell people, at least we know for sure he probably won't die of Alzheimer's Disease, but as Chadwick Bozeman illustrates, you get on with life even when you have a slightly earlier expiration date.
Yes, my partner avoided getting a colonoscopy. But as he says to people, that means he avoided decades of torture by doctors trying to fix his colon cancer.
(I get regular colonoscopies and I recommend the same.)
posted by Peach at 6:48 AM on August 29, 2020 [26 favorites]
What's interesting is that just having colon cancer doesn't mean you're terribly ill in the beginning, and the actor's performances illustrate that. Right now my husband's gastric symptoms are the problem, symptoms that could just as well have been IBS or IBD if he didn't have a diagnosis. But it's really tiring, and I don't know how Bozeman managed to just deal with teh exhaustion that seems to be part of this thing.
People right now are being terribly sympathetic, as if my partner was wasting away before my eyes, as if I'm spoon feeding him. Nah. It's pretty much business as normal. It won't end well, and as I tell people, at least we know for sure he probably won't die of Alzheimer's Disease, but as Chadwick Bozeman illustrates, you get on with life even when you have a slightly earlier expiration date.
Yes, my partner avoided getting a colonoscopy. But as he says to people, that means he avoided decades of torture by doctors trying to fix his colon cancer.
(I get regular colonoscopies and I recommend the same.)
posted by Peach at 6:48 AM on August 29, 2020 [26 favorites]
Chadwick Boseman talked about the Denzel Washington sponsorship here on the Graham Norton show. It sounds like it became a bit of an in-joke for them as well.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:53 AM on August 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:53 AM on August 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
EmpressCallipygos: "P.S. - he is in the upcoming film adaptation of MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, and there are already whispers of an Oscar nomination for his performance. That should be hitting Netflix soon."
They filmed a bunch of that in my neighborhood and quite a few of my neighbors got to say hi to Washington, Davis and Boseman but I didn't manage to see any of them.
posted by octothorpe at 7:16 AM on August 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
They filmed a bunch of that in my neighborhood and quite a few of my neighbors got to say hi to Washington, Davis and Boseman but I didn't manage to see any of them.
posted by octothorpe at 7:16 AM on August 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
.
This is so awful. He was so young, so talented, and his work meant so much to people. The jimmy kimmel clip is beautiful. 💔
posted by supermedusa at 7:31 AM on August 29, 2020
This is so awful. He was so young, so talented, and his work meant so much to people. The jimmy kimmel clip is beautiful. 💔
posted by supermedusa at 7:31 AM on August 29, 2020
.
posted by nightrecordings at 8:14 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by nightrecordings at 8:14 AM on August 29, 2020
Heartbroken. Beautiful, talented man, too young to die.
posted by mermayd at 8:17 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by mermayd at 8:17 AM on August 29, 2020
Fuck this. A real life super hero. Devasting.
RIpower
posted by Bacon Bit at 8:33 AM on August 29, 2020
RIpower
posted by Bacon Bit at 8:33 AM on August 29, 2020
.
posted by wicked_sassy at 8:34 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by wicked_sassy at 8:34 AM on August 29, 2020
Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace.
posted by ob1quixote at 8:36 AM on August 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by ob1quixote at 8:36 AM on August 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
He was going to play Yasuke, the Black Samurai (a real, fascinating historical figure -- 16th century samurai from Africa) in a movie in development. I believe he was also a producer on it. I hope it still gets made.
posted by vogon_poet at 9:05 AM on August 29, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by vogon_poet at 9:05 AM on August 29, 2020 [9 favorites]
.
posted by platypus of the universe at 9:18 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by platypus of the universe at 9:18 AM on August 29, 2020
.
posted by homunculus at 9:46 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by homunculus at 9:46 AM on August 29, 2020
@ClintSmithIII:
I keep thinking about my 3-year-old in his Black Panther costume. How he wore it almost every day when he got it, refused to take it off. The way he walked around saying “I’m the Black Panther.” How happy it made him. What Chadwick gave us was immeasurable. What an enormous loss.posted by gwint at 10:00 AM on August 29, 2020 [24 favorites]
.
posted by gusandrews at 10:04 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by gusandrews at 10:04 AM on August 29, 2020
I have no words. Thank you, for the time that you have given us.
posted by SPrintF at 10:25 AM on August 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by SPrintF at 10:25 AM on August 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
.
posted by spinifex23 at 11:35 AM on August 29, 2020
posted by spinifex23 at 11:35 AM on August 29, 2020
.
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 12:02 PM on August 29, 2020
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 12:02 PM on August 29, 2020
.
posted by crepesofwrath at 12:28 PM on August 29, 2020
posted by crepesofwrath at 12:28 PM on August 29, 2020
.
posted by scaryblackdeath at 12:59 PM on August 29, 2020
posted by scaryblackdeath at 12:59 PM on August 29, 2020
.
posted by chinesefood at 1:15 PM on August 29, 2020
posted by chinesefood at 1:15 PM on August 29, 2020
His tribute to Denzel Washington, which included a surprising personal connection I did not know about.
That tribute is so gracious and graceful that it's a tribute in itself to the man who gave it.
.
posted by trig at 2:12 PM on August 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
That tribute is so gracious and graceful that it's a tribute in itself to the man who gave it.
.
posted by trig at 2:12 PM on August 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
This is the hardest loss of someone I didn't know personally since Prince. So much love to those fortunate enough to have known him personally.
Fuck cancer and fuck 2020. What a loss.
posted by Space Kitty at 4:22 PM on August 29, 2020
Fuck cancer and fuck 2020. What a loss.
posted by Space Kitty at 4:22 PM on August 29, 2020
I was surprised how hard this hit me. He was a talented actor, an eloquent and moving speaker, and seems to have been a gracious and generous person.
A couple of things I saw on Twitter:
From @blacktyee, links to episodes of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast:
Session 102: Why Am I Grieving Someone I Didn’t Know?
Session 162: Processing Our Collective Grief
Session 134: The Impact of Racial Trauma
@renaissanceeast:
A couple of things I saw on Twitter:
From @blacktyee, links to episodes of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast:
Session 102: Why Am I Grieving Someone I Didn’t Know?
Session 162: Processing Our Collective Grief
Session 134: The Impact of Racial Trauma
@renaissanceeast:
Chadwick and Black Panther mean so much to Black kids today, but let me tell you. When my then 70 y.o. father realized that his grandson's favorite superhero was Black, something in that man healed. And he can't have been the only one of his generation to experience that.posted by Lexica at 5:06 PM on August 29, 2020 [20 favorites]
I remembered this Jimmy Fallon bit (Fallon mostly lurks in the background thank God) where fans "record a message for Chadwick Boseman" about Black Panther and what it means to them, and then he comes out from behind a curtain and surprises and greets them.
Thank you so much for sharing that. I'd seen it before and forgotten about it. I love how moved people were by the movie and how gracious and kind he was with them. (Plus, "oh, hey Jimmy.")
And this was 2-1/2 years ago, so he was already fighting cancer.
posted by kirkaracha at 6:40 PM on August 29, 2020
Thank you so much for sharing that. I'd seen it before and forgotten about it. I love how moved people were by the movie and how gracious and kind he was with them. (Plus, "oh, hey Jimmy.")
And this was 2-1/2 years ago, so he was already fighting cancer.
posted by kirkaracha at 6:40 PM on August 29, 2020
.
posted by SonInLawOfSam at 7:12 PM on August 29, 2020
posted by SonInLawOfSam at 7:12 PM on August 29, 2020
Such a compelling, unforgettable presence. Way too soon.
.
posted by Sheydem-tants at 7:16 PM on August 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
.
posted by Sheydem-tants at 7:16 PM on August 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
.
posted by JoeXIII007 at 10:01 PM on August 29, 2020
posted by JoeXIII007 at 10:01 PM on August 29, 2020
In Will Leitch's recent newsletter he said something that has stuck with me, that " in this disjointed, erratic movie year, the death of Chadwick Boseman is ultimately going to be the only thing anyone remembers. "
Along with what's already been posted, I recommend Peter Bradshaw's remembrance. I also read someone mention that he was a playwright, too, and I'd love to read some of his work. I feel that watching him on screen is going to be too difficult for a long time.
posted by Gin and Broadband at 2:13 AM on August 30, 2020
Along with what's already been posted, I recommend Peter Bradshaw's remembrance. I also read someone mention that he was a playwright, too, and I'd love to read some of his work. I feel that watching him on screen is going to be too difficult for a long time.
posted by Gin and Broadband at 2:13 AM on August 30, 2020
@miamiherald ABC will air “Black Panther” commercial-free Sunday as a prime-time tribute to Chadwick Boseman.
The film will be followed by an ABC News Special, “Chadwick Bosmeman: A Tribute for a King."
posted by rhizome at 8:16 AM on August 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
The film will be followed by an ABC News Special, “Chadwick Bosmeman: A Tribute for a King."
posted by rhizome at 8:16 AM on August 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
From @joshgad: "This was one of my final texts from the brilliant & once-in-lifetime talent, @chadwickboseman - take this in & celebrate life."
posted by crepesofwrath at 10:45 AM on August 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by crepesofwrath at 10:45 AM on August 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
Copying this in its entirety from FB, in case the content disappears or people can't access it:
posted by filthy light thief at 11:10 AM on August 30, 2020 [51 favorites]
From the very talented actress who plays the queen at the Georgia Renaissance FestivalRest in power, Chadwick Boseman. Thank you for being a king so that others could see and live their in their own nobility.
Wakanda Forever![Original post by Erin Poulson]
In May 2018, I was newly Queen of Newcastle, at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. Black Panther had come out just three months before, and it was on everyone's mind.
I was still learning how to Queen, as the shoes before me were large, and pavilion time was always a time when I felt particularly inadequate.
It was one of my insecure days when I had a young black girl and her dad come and visit the Royal Court. I introduced myself as Queen of England and the girl said "I'm a princess!!" And then got shy.
I wanted her to keep talking, so I said "oh! Are you a Princess of England?" She shook her head. "Are you a Princess of France?" Another head shake. I don't know why, I'd never done it before, but I thought I'd take a chance. "Are you a Princess of Wakanda?"
Her eyes grew so big.
Her father jumped with excitement.
And she nodded regally.
I crossed my arms over my chest. "Wakanda Forever, my princess. We are so honored to have you in our Kingdom!" Now she stood a hundred feet tall, and her dad nearly trembled behind her.
I touched Joshua Miller 's shoulder, who'd been carrying on a very different conversation as King Henry, and said "my dear Henry, we have a visiting guest from Wakanda!"
Without missing a beat, his arms crossed over his chest. "Wakanda forever, dear princess!! And welcome to England!!"
That shy girl walked out of pavilion with her head held high like an empress.
And I remember her dad just dancing next to her, whispering "Wakanda, baby!! They know you're from Wakanda!! You're royalty too!!"
Mr. Boseman, I've worked Renaissance festivals for almost twenty years now. Since that point, I have seen dozens of black boys and girls accept themselves as royalty in a way that I'm not sure they would have before. The doors you opened echo throughout time like Arthur pulling the sword from the stone.
Thank you.
🖤 Wakanda Forever.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:10 AM on August 30, 2020 [51 favorites]
And a personal story of Boseman shifting norms: after my wife and I saw Black Panther, we got our little super hero-obsessed blond-haired, blue-eyed white boy a Black Panther t-shirt, because we wanted to diversify his t-shirts. He LOVED it, and wore it to daycare weekly. Then we got him a Black Panther action figure, and wall art. He plays with other super hero figures, but Black Panther is major character, and other kids see that representation, too. The movie, and Chadwick's fantastic work in that role, was a major step in normalizing Black excellence for action heroes. (Now where is a Black Panther Lego video game? Enough Batman already.)
posted by filthy light thief at 11:52 AM on August 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by filthy light thief at 11:52 AM on August 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
Like everyone else, my lovely wife and I watched Black Panther this weekend. As one of my friends pointed out, it's by far the most visually beautiful of the superhero films.
Wakanda forever.
posted by Gelatin at 4:51 AM on August 31, 2020 [1 favorite]
Wakanda forever.
posted by Gelatin at 4:51 AM on August 31, 2020 [1 favorite]
My wife came upstairs when the news broke to tell me, and we were both a bit emotional about it. Obviously we didn't know him. We're not Black. But he was just so incandescent and perfect as T'Challa, and we're aware enough to understand what that film MEANT and still MEANS.
I'm so grateful we have it, and his other work, but so gutted that there will be no more. I suppose now we understand why talk of a second Panther film kind of faded away around a year ago; it seemed weird, but we've all learned to trust Marvel. I hope they don't recast, but I hope we go back to Wakanda.
posted by uberchet at 7:39 AM on August 31, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm so grateful we have it, and his other work, but so gutted that there will be no more. I suppose now we understand why talk of a second Panther film kind of faded away around a year ago; it seemed weird, but we've all learned to trust Marvel. I hope they don't recast, but I hope we go back to Wakanda.
posted by uberchet at 7:39 AM on August 31, 2020 [1 favorite]
filthy light thief, thank you so much for sharing that FB post from Erin Poulson. I was that little black girl 20 years ago, who loved Renaissance festivals and who struggled to find her place to fit in the celebration of reimagined European culture.
I have too many playground memories of being told that I could not play the part of the princess because I was black. I remember putting towels and t-shirts on my head, pretending the fabric was long straight hair, fit for a princess. I remember walking past paint cans in the hardware store, looking for a peach-colored paint so I could cover my dark skin.
I am so glad that so many young black girls growing up in this new century will never have to experience that. I love that there are so many cultural works that celebrate their blackness, including BP. While I think Black Panther came out at the right moment in our timeline, a part of me wishes that I had a Shuri or Nakeya or Okoye to look up to as I was coming of age in the mid-90s.
I hate Marvel movies, and really most action movies in general. I do not understand the concept of violence as entertainment. But I have lost track of how many times I've watched Black Panther. It's visually beautiful and pays tribute to so many nuances of black culture in a way I have never seen before. I cannot put into words how much this movie means to me, and how iconic Mr. Boseman and all of the cast members are.
Yesterday, I forced myself to watch the other Marvel movies that feature Black Panther (Civil War & Infinity War...haven't made it to Endgame yet) and Chadwick's character in these movies seems like a completely different person: two-dimensional, hell-bent on vengeance for the sake of moving along a lackluster plot. In comparison, in Black Panther, he is wise, inquisitive and just. When given the chance to destroy his enemies, he offers mercy. When confronted with the past sins of his father, he acknowledges that he was wrong and that Wakanda must adapt for the greater good. He listens to his advisers, his family, his ancestors and even his foes and makes sound decisions based on this information, not just following his gut. He is everything we could want in a super-hero and more.
I am gutted by Chadwick's passing, but I am hopeful that this is not the end, only the beginning.
Rest in power, my king.
posted by chara at 9:20 AM on August 31, 2020 [21 favorites]
I have too many playground memories of being told that I could not play the part of the princess because I was black. I remember putting towels and t-shirts on my head, pretending the fabric was long straight hair, fit for a princess. I remember walking past paint cans in the hardware store, looking for a peach-colored paint so I could cover my dark skin.
I am so glad that so many young black girls growing up in this new century will never have to experience that. I love that there are so many cultural works that celebrate their blackness, including BP. While I think Black Panther came out at the right moment in our timeline, a part of me wishes that I had a Shuri or Nakeya or Okoye to look up to as I was coming of age in the mid-90s.
I hate Marvel movies, and really most action movies in general. I do not understand the concept of violence as entertainment. But I have lost track of how many times I've watched Black Panther. It's visually beautiful and pays tribute to so many nuances of black culture in a way I have never seen before. I cannot put into words how much this movie means to me, and how iconic Mr. Boseman and all of the cast members are.
Yesterday, I forced myself to watch the other Marvel movies that feature Black Panther (Civil War & Infinity War...haven't made it to Endgame yet) and Chadwick's character in these movies seems like a completely different person: two-dimensional, hell-bent on vengeance for the sake of moving along a lackluster plot. In comparison, in Black Panther, he is wise, inquisitive and just. When given the chance to destroy his enemies, he offers mercy. When confronted with the past sins of his father, he acknowledges that he was wrong and that Wakanda must adapt for the greater good. He listens to his advisers, his family, his ancestors and even his foes and makes sound decisions based on this information, not just following his gut. He is everything we could want in a super-hero and more.
I am gutted by Chadwick's passing, but I am hopeful that this is not the end, only the beginning.
Rest in power, my king.
posted by chara at 9:20 AM on August 31, 2020 [21 favorites]
I hope they don't recast, but I hope we go back to Wakanda.
I am rooting for Shuri to take over.
I still can't believe he was in superhero movies while being treated for cancer.
posted by jenfullmoon at 12:53 PM on August 31, 2020 [3 favorites]
I am rooting for Shuri to take over.
I still can't believe he was in superhero movies while being treated for cancer.
posted by jenfullmoon at 12:53 PM on August 31, 2020 [3 favorites]
I think that would be great, but I also sorta wonder if they might not figure out a way to resurrect a reformed Killmonger in order to use Michael B. Jordan again.
But I think I'd prefer Shuri. What do we know about Wakandan succession?
posted by uberchet at 2:15 PM on August 31, 2020
But I think I'd prefer Shuri. What do we know about Wakandan succession?
posted by uberchet at 2:15 PM on August 31, 2020
I asked Mr. Freedom about that - if Captain America can put down the shield and the Falcon can take it up, have there been any comic runs about Black Panthers other than T'Challa? He said that there was a Black Panther run that had T'Challa stepping aside and Shuri taking over, so that would seem to be the next logical movie.
.
posted by chainsofreedom at 4:16 PM on August 31, 2020 [3 favorites]
.
posted by chainsofreedom at 4:16 PM on August 31, 2020 [3 favorites]
RIP to a great talent and by all accounts a great person. Fuck cancer.
posted by Sticherbeast at 6:09 PM on August 31, 2020
posted by Sticherbeast at 6:09 PM on August 31, 2020
He said that there was a Black Panther run that had T'Challa stepping aside and Shuri taking over, so that would seem to be the next logical movie.I did not know this, but it is especially welcome news.
Black Panther is explicitly a role taken by multiple people over generations. T'Challa's father was Black Panther before him, so it makes total sense; there's a roadmap there that didn't exist for Cap and Falcon.
(I realize I'm dealing with the loss of Boseman by thinking of ways to keep Black Panther in the zeitgeist.)
posted by uberchet at 8:51 AM on September 1, 2020 [2 favorites]
Why Chadwick Boseman Was Always the ‘Unanimous’ Choice for Black Panther [Vulture]
posted by ellieBOA at 10:31 AM on September 1, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by ellieBOA at 10:31 AM on September 1, 2020 [1 favorite]
"So, we're sitting here, looking at this dope-ass Black Panther poster, and the conclusion we've come to is that this is what white people get to feel all the time."
[Friend jumps into the frame] "ALL THE TIME! ALL THE TIME!"
Black Panther lead to Wankandacon, a 3-day Afro-Futuristic celebration for comic nerds, gamers, pop culture buffs, big thinkers, techies, creatives, science geeks, dreamers, makers, movers, shakers and anyone contributing to the culture.
Wakanda forever.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:00 AM on September 1, 2020 [5 favorites]
[Friend jumps into the frame] "ALL THE TIME! ALL THE TIME!"
Black Panther lead to Wankandacon, a 3-day Afro-Futuristic celebration for comic nerds, gamers, pop culture buffs, big thinkers, techies, creatives, science geeks, dreamers, makers, movers, shakers and anyone contributing to the culture.
Wakanda forever.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:00 AM on September 1, 2020 [5 favorites]
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posted by kitten kaboodle at 7:47 PM on August 28, 2020 [22 favorites]