The unexpected passing of Chadwick Boseman after his private battle with cancer was a shock to fans last year. The actor is beginning to scratch the surface of what many foresaw as a long and prosperous career. His work on and off-screen was beyond his time and will be honored with a Netflix special in the near future, however many fans are requesting that Marvel Studios honor what he brought to the world as T’Challa by continuing the character.
With Black Panther being the global success it was, some fans in particular were seemingly disappointed when they learned Marvel Studios would focus on Wakanda and the teachings of Boseman instead of continuing the legacy of King T’Challa.
According to People, E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Change.org requests that King T’Challa be recast. The petition has a call to action “for the President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, Co-President Louis D’Esposito, and Writer/Director Ryan Coogler to reconsider their decision, and recast the role of ‘T’Challa’ in the Black Panther franchise.”
The petition explains “If Marvel Studios removes T’Challa, it would be at the expense of the audiences (especially Black boys and men) who saw themselves in him. That also includes the millions of fans who were inspired by the character as well.”
E-Man notes in the petition that the “number 1 way to kill a legend is to stop telling their story.”
“By not recasting, it could stifle the opportunity for one of the most popular, leading Black superheroes to add on to their legacy,” the petition adds.
Requesting signatures, the petition also encourages the use of the hashtag #RecastTChalla on social media.
It is important to note that the movement is not wanting a replacement of Boseman in the grand scheme “as no one could ever do that.”
The petition does not want to prevent other characters (i.e. Shuri) from stepping into the role of Black Panther.
“This petition is merely asking to continue the portrayal of T’Challa in the MCU. #RecastTChalla is a call to fulfill the role that Chadwick Boseman worked so hard for the world to see.”
At the time of publishing, almost 20,000 people have signed the petition.
