Chadwick Boseman’s Career: From ‘Black Panther’ to ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

Chadwick Boseman was an actor of immense talent and integrity whose impact on cinema far exceeded the length of his career. He began with roles in television and theater, honing his craft with a quiet dedication. Boseman possessed a rare ability to embody the dignity, strength, and complexity of real-life historical figures, bringing them to life for a new generation. He chose his roles with great care, focusing on stories that celebrated Black history and culture.

In a career tragically cut short, Boseman became a global icon and a hero to millions. He was best known for playing a groundbreaking superhero, but his work was filled with powerful performances that showcased his incredible range and commitment. He brought a regal and thoughtful presence to every role, leaving behind a legacy of strength, grace, and inspiration that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

‘All My Children’ (2003)

Chadwick Boseman’s early career included a brief but significant role on the daytime soap opera ‘All My Children’. He was originally cast as Reggie Montgomery, a troubled teenager who was a member of a gang. However, after one week in the role, he was let go after voicing his concerns to the producers about the character’s negative racial stereotypes.

Although he was replaced, his decision to speak up had a lasting impact, as the writers later developed the character in a more positive direction. This early experience was a clear indication of the integrity and purpose that would define his entire career. He was committed to portraying Black characters with depth and dignity from the very beginning.

‘The Express’ (2008)

Boseman made his feature film debut in ‘The Express: The Ernie Davis Story’. The film is a biographical sports drama about the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Boseman played Floyd Little, a talented running back who was a teammate of Ernie Davis at Syracuse University.

This supporting role was his first in a major film, and it was the first of several sports movies in his career. His performance was solid, showcasing his natural charisma and athletic ability. It was an important first step that placed him in a well-regarded film and set the stage for the iconic biographical roles to come.

‘The Kill Hole’ (2012)

In the independent thriller ‘The Kill Hole’, Boseman took on the lead role of Samuel Drake. He played an Iraq War veteran who is haunted by his past actions. He is forced to confront his demons when he is hired to track down and kill another rogue soldier from his old unit.

This was one of Boseman’s first leading roles in a feature film. He delivered an intense and emotionally complex performance, portraying a man struggling with severe PTSD. The role demonstrated his ability to carry a film and handle dark, psychologically demanding material.

’42’ (2013)

Boseman had his major breakout role starring as baseball legend Jackie Robinson in the biographical film ’42’. The movie tells the powerful story of how Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers. The film depicts the immense racism and pressure he faced with incredible courage and dignity.

His performance was a critical and commercial triumph, launching him to stardom. Boseman perfectly captured Robinson’s quiet strength, athletic grace, and unwavering determination. The role established him as a powerful leading man and began his celebrated run of portraying heroic and history-making Black figures.

‘Draft Day’ (2014)

In the sports drama ‘Draft Day’, Boseman played Vontae Mack. The film is set during the NFL Draft and follows the general manager of the Cleveland Browns as he makes a series of high-stakes decisions. Vontae is a top linebacker prospect who is desperate to be chosen by the Browns.

Boseman brought a great deal of charisma and emotional depth to the supporting role. His character’s passion for the game and his heartfelt plea to the general manager were memorable parts of the film. It was another strong performance in a popular sports movie.

‘Get On Up’ (2014)

Boseman delivered a tour de force performance as the legendary musician James Brown in the biographical film ‘Get On Up’. The movie chronicles the “Godfather of Soul’s” incredible and tumultuous life, from his impoverished childhood to his rise as a global music icon.

To play the part, Boseman underwent an incredible physical and vocal transformation. He masterfully captured Brown’s unique dance moves, explosive energy, and complex personality. The performance was universally acclaimed and is considered one of the best of his career, proving his incredible range and commitment as an actor.

‘Gods of Egypt’ (2016)

In the fantasy-action film ‘Gods of Egypt’, Boseman played Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom. The movie is a special-effects-heavy epic about a mortal hero who teams up with a god to save the world from a cruel and tyrannical ruler. Thoth is an intelligent and somewhat arrogant deity who reluctantly helps the hero on his quest.

The film was not a critical or commercial success and was criticized for its casting choices. However, Boseman’s performance was often singled out as a highlight. He brought a sense of wit and intellectual superiority to the character, making his portrayal of the god of wisdom both entertaining and memorable.

‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)

Boseman made his electrifying debut as T’Challa / Black Panther in ‘Captain America: Civil War’. He is introduced as the prince of the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda. After his father is killed in a terrorist attack, T’Challa dons the mantle of the Black Panther to seek revenge.

His introduction was a huge moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Boseman brought a regal presence, quiet intensity, and a unique fighting style to the character that immediately captivated audiences. The role instantly made him a global icon and created massive anticipation for his solo film.

‘Message from the King’ (2016)

In the thriller ‘Message from the King’, Boseman played Jacob King. He also served as an executive producer on the film. The story follows a man from Cape Town who travels to Los Angeles to search for his missing younger sister. His investigation takes him deep into the city’s criminal underworld.

This was a gritty and violent revenge thriller that showcased a tougher and more brutal side of Boseman’s acting. He was compelling as a man on a relentless and desperate mission. The role demonstrated his range and his interest in producing and developing his own projects.

‘Marshall’ (2017)

Boseman portrayed another iconic historical figure, Thurgood Marshall, in the biographical drama ‘Marshall’. The film focuses on an early, high-profile case from Marshall’s career as a lawyer for the NAACP, long before he became the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.

Boseman brilliantly captured the young Marshall’s intelligence, confidence, and unwavering commitment to justice. He delivered a powerful and charismatic performance, successfully embodying the spirit of another legendary American hero. The role further solidified his reputation for excellence in biographical films.

‘Black Panther’ (2018)

Boseman starred in the groundbreaking solo film ‘Black Panther’. After the death of his father, T’Challa returns home to Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. He must lead his nation and protect it from a powerful new enemy who threatens to expose Wakanda’s secrets to the world.

The film was a cultural phenomenon and a massive critical and commercial success. Boseman’s portrayal of the noble and thoughtful king was the heart of the movie, providing a powerful and inspiring hero for millions of people around the world. The role of T’Challa became his most iconic and cemented his legacy.

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

Boseman reprised his role as T’Challa / Black Panther in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. In this epic crossover event, the heroes of the Marvel universe must team up to stop the powerful villain Thanos from collecting all the Infinity Stones. A major part of the film’s climactic battle takes place in Wakanda, with T’Challa leading his army.

As the king of Wakanda, he played a crucial leadership role in the massive battle against Thanos’s forces. His character’s fate at the end of the film was one of the most shocking and talked-about moments in cinematic history, highlighting his importance to the franchise.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

In ‘Avengers: Endgame’, Boseman returned as Black Panther for the film’s epic final battle. After being gone for five years, he and the other fallen heroes are brought back to life to help defeat Thanos once and for all. His arrival on the battlefield is one of the most triumphant and emotional moments of the movie.

Although his screen time was limited, his return was a powerful and crowd-pleasing moment. His character leads the entire Wakandan army into the final fight, and his presence was a key part of the film’s massive and satisfying conclusion.

’21 Bridges’ (2019)

Boseman starred in and produced the action-thriller ’21 Bridges’. He played Andre Davis, a driven NYPD detective who is known for his relentless pursuit of cop killers. After a robbery goes wrong and several officers are killed, he shuts down all 21 bridges leading out of Manhattan to hunt down the criminals.

This was a modern, gritty crime drama that gave Boseman the chance to play a tough, no-nonsense hero. He was a commanding presence as the detective with a complicated past, and he convincingly anchored the film’s intense and fast-paced action.

‘Da 5 Bloods’ (2020)

In Spike Lee’s war drama ‘Da 5 Bloods’, Boseman played Norman Earl “Stormin’ Norm” Holloway. He is the revered squad leader of a group of Black soldiers during the Vietnam War. The film follows the surviving members of the squad as they return to Vietnam decades later, and Norm appears in flashbacks as their heroic and almost mythical leader.

Boseman’s performance was powerful and charismatic, portraying a leader who was both a fierce soldier and a politically conscious intellectual. His character is the spiritual heart of the film, and his presence looms large over the entire story. The role earned him posthumous critical acclaim.

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020)

Boseman’s final film role was as Levee Green in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. The movie is based on the August Wilson play and takes place during a tense recording session in 1920s Chicago. Levee is a talented and ambitious trumpet player who clashes with the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey and the white studio owners.

It was a masterful and heartbreaking final performance that earned him a posthumous award nomination for Best Actor. He brilliantly captured Levee’s charm, ambition, and deep-seated rage born from a lifetime of trauma. The role is a stunning showcase of his immense talent and is considered the best performance of his career.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022)

Chadwick Boseman did not appear in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ following his tragic passing. However, the film is a profound and moving tribute to both the actor and his iconic character, T’Challa. The story begins with the off-screen death of King T’Challa and follows his family and the nation of Wakanda as they mourn their loss and struggle to forge a new path forward.

The entire film is shaped by his absence, and his spirit is felt in every scene. The movie serves as a powerful testament to the incredible impact that Boseman’s portrayal of the character had on the world. It is a beautiful and respectful celebration of his enduring legacy.

Which one of Chadwick Boseman’s powerful and inspiring roles will you remember most?