Chadwick Boseman death: Was Netflix film 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' fully shot, when can fans watch it?
Fans still can’t process that Chadwick Boseman, mostly recognized for playing the superhero Black Panther has died. He was 43 and was suffering from colon cancer. From Hollywood celebrities like Mark Ruffalo to Chris Evans, and to political leaders such as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris expressed their grief and paid tribute to the actor on social media. Some Marvel fans even started discussing that nobody should replace Boseman as Black Panther, instead the ‘mantle’ should be handed over to the character Shuri (played by Letitia Wright).
In the D23 Expo 2019, Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige had announced the release date for the sequel. 'Black Panther 2' was reported to hit the screens on May 6, 2022. But sadly the future of the sequel is not known yet. However as reported by Associated Press, his family in a statement said, “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. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
His last released movie, 'Da 5 Bloods' by Spike Lee was released on Netflix on June 12 due to Covid-19. Prior to the pandemic, the film was supposed to premiere out-of-competition at the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, then released in theaters in May or June. Along with Boseman the film starred Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis and others. The story was about a group of aging Vietnam War veterans who return to the country to look for the remains of their fallen squad leader, as well as the belongings they buried while serving there.
According to AP, Boseman had completed filming the movie, which is an adaptation of August Wilson’s ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. It is a Netflix film and had wrapped up shooting last summer. The film is directed by George C Wolfe and Denzel Washington is one of the producers. Along with Boseman, as reported by Deadline in 2019, the film stars Viola Davis, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo and Michael Potts. The movie follows the 'Queen of the Blues' musician in a studio in Chicago, 1927, and the tension that erupts between her, her agent and producer and band members. An EW report states, Boseman plays the role of Levee, a young ambitious trumpeter who wants to lead his own band one day. The report states that it might be released later this year, and it was being discussed that Boseman’s performance is worth an Oscar nomination.
In a statement quoted by EW, Ted Sarandos, Netflix Co-CEO & Chief Content Officer 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.” Netflix even paid a tribute to the actor on their Twitter page. They wrote: “A hero in every sense. Rest in power to Chadwick Boseman whose gifts will live on forever.”
A hero in every sense. Rest in power to Chadwick Boseman whose gifts will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/fBsGeiHR7y
— Netflix (@netflix) August 29, 2020
A Deadline report quotes a statement from Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios & Chief Creative, Officer, Marvel, “Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.”