From James Brown to Black Panther: Chadwick Boseman’s life in films

Chadwick Boseman may be synonymous with his iconic role of T’Challa in ‘Black Panther’, but there was much more to his Hollywood career than playing a Marvel superhero.

The actor found fame playing iconic Black characters on celluloid, including music legend James Brown (pictured) and Supreme Court justice, Thurgood Marshall. After losing a silent battle with colon cancer, the actor died on August 28 at age 43. Here’s a look at some of his noteworthy films.

42 (2013): Boseman played baseball icon Jackie Robinson in this biographical sports film, which was written and directed by Brian Helgeland. The film followed the racial integration of Robinson into Major League baseball. The film was critically acclaimed and gave Boseman his first big hit in Hollywood.

Get On Up (2014): Before ‘Black Panther’, Boseman starred in this biographical musical drama based on the life of music superstar James Brown. The late actor played the lead in this critically acclaimed film, taking fans through Brown’s illustrious career through a nonlinear narrative.

Marshall (2017): Essaying the role of the first African American Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, this biographical legal drama focused on one of the first cases of his career, the State of Connecticut v. Joseph Spell, who was a chauffeur accused of rape by his white employer.

Black Panther (2018): It was the role that made Boseman a household name, playing T’Challa, the king of the mythical land of Wakanda. The film was a cultural phenomenon, celebrating Black representation in Hollywood and earned several Oscar nominations following a successful box office run. Boseman would go on to reprise his superhero avatar in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’.

21 Bridges (2019): Boseman played an NYPD detective in this action thriller, which was directed by Brian Kirk. The film saw the actor chase two suspected cop killers by shutting down New York’s 21 bridges. Brothers Joe and Anthony Russo act took on the roles as producers. The film received mixed reviews from critics and fans.

Da 5 Bloods (2020): This Spike Lee directed film follows a group of ageing Vietnam War veterans who return to the country in search of the remains of their fallen squad leader, as well as the treasure they buried while serving there. Boseman played ‘Stormin’ Norman Earl Holloway in the film, which is streaming on Netflix.