(AllHipHop News) There have been some detractors that have tried to downplay the cultural impact of Black Panther for the African-American community. The movie’s lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, countered that negative narrative by sharing personal moments during a cast panel discussion on Sway In The Morning.
“I think we’re all watching what’s happening. This has taken on a life of its own. You can’t help but to see the video of kids responding to the fact they’re going to the movie,” said Boseman. “For myself, I get the benefit of sending some people, some kids in my hometown and knowing this is going to be a great experience for them.”
The Howard University graduate also began to cry while talking about two young cancer patients who were looking forward to the release of the film. According to Boseman, the kids recently passed away.
“Throughout our filming, I was communicating with them knowing that they were both terminal. What they said to me and [what] their parents said is they’re just trying to hold on until this movie comes,” expressed Boseman. “To a certain degree, you hear them say that and you’re like, ‘Wow. I gotta get up and go to the gym. I gotta get up and go to work. I gotta learn these lines. I gotta work on this accent.'”
He added, “Seeing how the world has taken this on, seeing how it’s taken on a life of its own, I realized they anticipated something great… So what put me back in the mind of being a kid, just to experience those two little boys’ anticipation of this movie and found out that they… it means a lot.”
Later, Ryan Coogler (director), Danai Gurira (Okoye), and Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia) spoke about how moviegoers of all races and nationalities can connect with the themes of Black Panther. Nyong’o stated, “This story is about embracing of self, embracing your identity, knowing where you’re from, being proud of where you’re from, celebrating where you’re from. That is really transcending the culture of this particular film.”
Black Panther is now available in theaters nationwide.