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Chadwick Boseman believed he'd beat cancer ahead of 'Black Panther II' and didn't disclose diagnosis to Marvel

A source close to the actor said Boseman strongly believed that he had beaten cancer until a week before his death

Chadwick Boseman's battle with cancer was kept on the down-low and not disclosed to the public. As it turns out, the company that brought 'Black Panther' to the screen, Marvel, was not aware of Boseman's health status either. 

It was just last week that the actor passed away after battling colon cancer, with his family confirming the same via a statement on Friday, August 28. The 43-year-old actor's family had announced via his official Instagram page, "It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.⁣ Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV."

"⁣A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy," the statement continued. 

"It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. ⁣He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. ⁣The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time," the statement revealed. 

New details have emerged regarding the star's harrowing battle with cancer. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Marvel Studios had not been aware of Boseman's diagnosis. The studio head, Kevin Fiege, was sent an email with limited information within an hour of Boseman's death. 

By the time Fiege had read the memo, Boseman had passed away. A source close to the actor revealed that Boseman strongly believed that he had beaten cancer and would be able to recover in time for 'Black Panther ll' which he had planned to start preparing for from this month. 

Around a week before his death, Boseman understood that he was not in a good position. Besides Boseman's family, only a handful of people knew about his cancer diagnosis. This included his producing partner Logan Coles, his agent, his trainer and the director of the star's film '42', Brian Helgeland. 

A film finance attorney shared that Boseman had been able to evade semi-traditional physical examinations by doctors before filming takes place. 

Social media users were left in shock as news of Boseman's death spread with many taking to various platforms to comment and offer their condolences. One such user had written, "To me, Black Panther felt like the future--I assumed Chadwick Boseman would star in many more Black Panther and Marvel movies. It is just too sad when one's future is cut short."

Another added, "I really felt like he was on a mission after his diagnosis. He could have chosen to spend more time with family and friends but instead decided to live and leave a mark. Didn’t want anyone to treat him differently. The beautiful part is that his family supported him!"

"It is heartbreaking when a good person passes away. learning that he was diagnosed and still managed to work and put out several movies while getting treatment shows how committed he was to bringing those characters to life and being a good role model to his family and friends," wrote yet another.