in an unfinished cut of, in which Boseman had learned the Nguni Bantu language Xhosa to show audiences that T’Challa was a leader whose nation and dialect had not been corrupted by colonialism. “It was at that moment I knew I wanted to make this movie,” Coogler said. “[E]Coogler and Boseman became closer on the set ofHe was calm. Assured. Constantly studying.
Chad deeply valued his privacy, and I wasn’t privy to the details of his illness. After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity, and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display.
I haven’t grieved a loss this acute before. I spent the last year preparing, imagining, and writing words for him to say, that we weren’t destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won’t be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take.