Marvel fans are urging studio bosses not to recast Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther 2, following the actor's death on August 29, after a four-year battle with colon cancer.
Chadwick is best known for playing the lead role in Marvel's Black Panther film franchise.
After joining the Marvel universe back in 2014, Chadwick starred in the first Black Panther film in 2018, and was due to appear in the sequel, which is scheduled for release on May 6, 2022.
However, following the actor's tragic passing, Marvel will have to decide whether the film will go ahead, and if a new actor should be cast in the lead role.
Marvel fans, however, appear not to want Chadwick to be recast in the upcoming feature, and have taken to Twitter to express their views.
"Chadwick Boseman is more than a comic book character, and Black Panther 2 should be the least of your concern. that being said, please don't recast T'Challa. respect Chadwick's work. have Shuri rule next according to the storyline. but don't let someone replace him. honour him," wrote one Twitter user, while another corroborated: "I know shows and movies have recast characters whose portrayers died before, but I don't think fans would accept a new T'Challa right now. If they want to still make Black Panther 2, have Shuri become the lead and dedicate the film to Chadwick's memory."
"Ok, Let Me Make Something Clear: I don't wanna see any tweets talking about Black Panther 2 right now either about what's gonna happen to it, who's gonna take the reigns or if there will be a recast. Now isn't Time. Now is the time to mourn and celebrate a life taken too soon," added a third.
The South Carolina-born star passed away at his Los Angeles home on Thursday, his family confirmed in a statement.
Posting to social media, Boseman's family revealed that he had in fact been diagnosed with the disease back in 2016 - choosing to keep the situation away from the public eye as he continued to make movies. They also revealed that Boseman had been surrounded by loved ones when he passed, writing;
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," his family said in the statement. 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."
