Here's What Chadwick Boseman's Final Movie Will Be
Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman died Aug. 28, 2020 at age 43. In a post shared on his Instagram, it was revealed that he had privately battled colon cancer since 2016. Boseman's movies, including Da 5 Bloods, Black Panther, and Marshall were filmed "between countless surgeries and chemotherapy." However, his filmography isn't done yet.
The beloved actor has completed the movie Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which was supposed to be released on Netflix in 2020. According to Deadline, the movie is based on a 1982 August Wilson play by the same name. It was made into a film by Denzel Washington, Todd Black, and Ruben Santiago-Hudson and also stars Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, Michael Potts, Taylour Paige, and Dusan Brown.
Netflix released a statement following Boseman's passing: "We are heartbroken over today's news of the passing of Chadwick Boseman, a 'true fighter' as his family called him in their poignant tribute. This is an incredible loss." The streaming service canceled a preview event for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom which had been scheduled for Aug. 31, 2020. "Please join us in sending your thoughts to his family and loved ones," Netflix said.
Netflix Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said, "Chadwick was a superhero on screen and in life, and it's impossible to imagine working at the level he has while valiantly battling his illness. His legacy as a person and an artist will inspire millions."
The release date of Chadwick Boseman's final movie is TBD
Denzel Washington, who worked with Chadwick Boseman on Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, talked about the young star's legacy. "He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career," Washington told Deadline. "God bless Chadwick Boseman."
Boseman had also committed to other projects, but it is unclear how much work he completed. He was planning to participate in the animated show What If...?, reprising his Black Panther character T'Challa, according to CBR. He was also signed on to produce and star in the movie Yasuke. According to IMDb, that film was in the pre-production phase at the time of Boseman's passing.
Prior to Boseman's death, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom had already generated a tremendous amount of buzz. As the beloved star's last known project, it will surely become a film that fans will cherish. At the time of this writing, a new date has not been set for the virtual preview or the release of the movie on Netflix.