Friday marked six years since Chadwick Boseman‘s death, and David Jonsson, the actor now stepping into the late star’s shoes as Marvel‘s next Black Panther, is honoring his legacy.
Jonsson shared a black-and-white photo of Boseman to his Instagram Story on Friday evening, accompanied by a short but pointed message reflecting on what the actor meant to him.
“Inspiration in every sense.. Rest in power 👑🖤”
The tribute comes just over a month after Jonsson was announced as the actor taking on the role of T’Challa’s grown son, Prince T’Challa II, in Black Panther 3. Ryan Coogler revealed the casting on stage at San Diego Comic-Con in July, calling Jonsson Marvel’s new Black Panther in front of a crowd already speculating on who would carry the franchise forward.
Read More: Who Is David Jonsson? Everything You Need to Know About Marvel’s New Black Panther
The post is a small gesture, but it lands differently given Jonsson’s connection to the role. Long before he was cast, Jonsson was a fan of Boseman’s work, having previously recalled watching the original Black Panther in theaters in traditional African attire with friends when the film first premiered in 2018.
Boseman died on August 29, 2020, at age 43 after a private four-year battle with colon cancer that he largely kept hidden from the public while continuing to work. Marvel chose not to recast his role or use digital recreation when it returned to the character in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, instead passing the mantle to Letitia Wright’s Shuri.
Jonsson’s casting marks the first time an actor will formally step into the Black Panther role since Boseman’s passing, playing the character’s son rather than a direct replacement. Coogler is set to return as director for the threequel, with Wright and Winston Duke also expected back.
Black Panther 3 is slated for a late 2028 release.
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