Was it a favor or a casting coup?
The release of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has evoked excitement and sorrow among fans. As the sequel to one of Marvel’s most critically acclaimed successes, the film delivered a captivating experience. However, the untimely passing of star Chadwick Boseman weighs heavily on the hearts of those who waited for its arrival.
The loss of Boseman profoundly affected the cast and crew during the sequel’s production. Honoring his remarkable legacy became an integral part of the collective mission behind the film. As a testament to their commitment, one of Boseman’s close friends was brought on board to assume an important role. Undoubtedly, a film of the magnitude of “Wakanda Forever” garners significant attention and media coverage. The trailer alone amassed a staggering 170 million views within 24 hours of its release.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright, all prominent stars in the film, discussed their experiences. Kimmel took the opportunity to address a question that was on the minds of many: what was it like to film without Boseman?
In response, Nyong’o shared a touching anecdote about Boseman bringing his “drumming buddy Jabari” to the set. Jabari Exum, a talented performance artist from the DC area, had been mentored by Boseman and had played live drums during fight scenes in the first film. Recognizing the significance of Exum’s presence, the decision was made to bring him back for Wakanda Forever.
Gurira expressed the profound impact of having Exum on set, emphasizing that his presence served as a way to honor Boseman. She stated, “He had to be there. We really felt the spirit and the presence of Chadwick when we were able to just work that way.”
Exum’s drummer skills added rhythm and order to challenging scenes and fulfilled an emotional role by keeping Boseman’s memory alive. The unexpected loss of Boseman, both on and off-screen, lent a deeper meaning to the fictional grieving within Wakanda Forever.
The film’s plot, as described by Kristy Puchko in Mashable, takes on an eerie meta quality as it explores how one carries on in the absence of a central figure. Puchko writes, “It asks how you carry on when the center of your orbit is gone forever.”
Throughout the movie, Boseman’s memory is honored in various ways. The opening credits, for instance, feature the iconic Marvel logo, but instead of showcasing the usual Avengers, they highlight shots of Boseman in action. Additionally, the loss of the Black Panther becomes the focal point of the mother-daughter conflict between Shuri and her mother, which could determine the fate of Wakanda itself.
Notably, the decision not to recast Boseman’s character is a poignant tribute to his memory. By doing so, the film acknowledges that Boseman’s shoes are simply too large to fill. Instead of attempting to replace him, the sequel embraces a different direction, moving forward in a world without him.