When the news hit last Friday night, I honestly couldn’t believe it. Chadwick Boseman’s shocking passing at the age of 43 from colon cander has hit many of us hard, but it took us into the weekend during an already very difficult time for many. In the midst of social unrest, political division, and the ongoing pandemic, the death of someone like this feels particularly disturbing and sad, especially considering his many charitable contributions in his private life. Boseman had been acting for decades, but it wasn’t until 2013’s movie 42 (where he played legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson) that Chadwick’s star really started to shine and help build his fan base. He followed that star-making role with strong performances in GET ON UP (where he portrayed James Brown), MARSHALL (where he played Thurgood Marshall), and of course Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER. Boseman actually played King T’Challa / Black Panther in four films – CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, BLACK PANTHER, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR and AVENGERS: ENDGAME. When it comes to actors playing superheroes, a four-movie run is actually quite impressive, and it’s possible we may still “hear” him as T’Challa in Marvel’s animated WHAT IF…? series next year, depending on whether or not his dialogue had already been recorded. As we continue to mourn Chadwick’s loss, Marvel has released a moving tribute video that shows the impact Boseman had on their films, and the fans. Watch it below and please share your thoughts on Chadwick Boseman in our comments below.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
