Chadwick Boseman fans are mourning the actor’s tragic death, which was announced Friday, following his battle with colon cancer.
The South Carolina-born actor died at 43, leaving behind a loyal fandom, thanks to his historic role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Fans have taken to social media in the wake of Boseman’s death, urging Marvel not to recast Boseman’s leading role of T’Challa, and retire the Black Panther character out of respect.
It comes after the MCU recast Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, following Edward Norton’s turn in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk.
They also reassigned Col. James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes/War Machine to Don Cheadle, after Terrence Howard originated the role in the 2008 blockbuster Iron Man.
One fan appealed to the Disney-owned studio in a now viral tweet: ‘Don’t recast that role @MarvelStudios. It’s done.’
Jeremy Conrad (who hosts the podcast MCU Cosmic) shared a similar sentiment: ‘Don’t recast. He can’t be replaced. #WakandaForever’
Another follower wrote: ‘Please retire the character out of respect, and have him live as a legend within the world. Like Universal did with Paul Walker in Fast & Furious. Please please please, don’t recast this icon.’
While many seem to be in agreement that the character should be retired, some have also suggested passing on the Black Panther title to another fan favorite.
One person posted: ‘If Marvel chooses to continue the Black Panther series, don’t recast T’Challa, pass the title to Shuri, just my opinion.’
Portrayed by Letitia Wright, Shuri is the younger sister of T’Challa, and the innovative scientist behind much of Wakanda’s advanced technology, making her a shoo-in.
Before his untimely death, Boseman had signed on to lead the upcoming Black Panther 2, which is set to premiered on May 6, 2022.
But as production had not yet begun on the sequel, it’s unclear what direction returning writer/director Ryan Coogler plans to take.
Yes oo… Let just assume he died in End game like that