Thousands ofBlack Pantherfans are petitioning to re-cast Chadwick Boseman's King T'Challa in the upcoming Marvel sequel, out of respect for the late actor's work on the character and to "honor" the hero's legacy.
The petition, posted onChange.orgbyE-Man's Movie Reviews, outlines a call to action "for the President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, Co-President Louis D'Esposito, and Writer/Director Ryan Coogler to reconsider their decision, and recast the role of 'T'Challa' in the Black Panther franchise."
Feige previously saidT'Challa would not be recastafter the loss of Boseman, whodied in August after a private cancer battleat the age of 43.
"If Marvel Studios removes T'Challa, it would be at the expense of the audiences (especially Black boys and men) who saw themselves in him," the petition says. "That also includes the millions of fans who were inspired by the character as well."
I, personally, think the best way to honor him is to never cast that character again. Audiences "especially Black boys and men who saw themselves in him", can have another character to see themselves in.
PLUS, it's Marvel. They'll handle it just fine. Their track record is impeccable.
Also, sidenote. I just learned that Chadwick Boseman was battling the cancer WHILE filming Black Panther. Maybe you already knew that, but I didn't. Absolutely amazing how tough that is.