‘Black Panther 2’ Star Reflects On Chadwick Boseman’s Absence In Sequel

To this day, Black Panther remains one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s best entries so it came as no surprise that a sequel was subsequently announced. What no one could have foresaw was lead actor Chadwick Boseman’s tragic passing in 2020 following a battle with colon cancer.

When compared to the loss of a life, the film series’ future seemed trivial in comparison but Marvel later confirmed that the sequel would move ahead with the title Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Boseman’s role as T’Challa would not be recast. Filming on the sequel recently drew to a close and actor Martin Freeman has opened up about the experience.

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Freeman, who portrays Everett Ross in the series, elaborated on the “odd” atmosphere on set noting that everyone felt the “gap” left by Boseman’s absence.

Speaking to Collider, Freeman said, “It was strange, that side of it. On the one hand, you're making the film that you're there to make, and there are scores and scores of people on set, joined in this endeavour to make the film. But there's also no question that, at the heart of it, there's quite a gap now, and you felt it.”

"With full respect to Ryan Coogler and everybody else, who's sweating and bleeding to get this thing done properly, it was fun. It was enjoyable. I was in and out of it quite quickly, I think. But I like playing Everett Ross. He's a very fun character to play. [...] But it was odd. Of course, it was odd with Chadwick not being there. There's no way around that,” he continued.

“I think everyone would find it pretty strange and sad, but at the same time, life things don't just end. It's not like, ‘Well, that's happened, so we just all have to go off and never do it again.’ But it was odd. When he passed, I thought, ‘Okay, well maybe there just won't be another one.’ But there are still other stories to tell within that world and other great characters. I think, and I hope that we've made a good film. I trust Ryan Coogler a lot.” Black Panther: Wakanda Forever certainly seems set to honour Boseman’s memory.