The world lost its ‘Black Panther’ in August when the incomparable Chadwick Boseman died after a private four-year battle with colon cancer. He was just 43.

Beyond the immeasurable devastation felt by the star’s family, friends, and fans, the loss also cast a cloud of doubt and debate over the the forthcoming ‘Black Panther’ sequel.

As reported, Boseman had been in preparations to return in the title role at the time of his passing.

Some mulled the possibility of Marvel Studios using digital technology to include his character of T’Challa, as has been the case with other films faced with such predicaments.

However, the studio’s Executive Vice President has made clear that won’t be the case.

Full story below…

In an interview with Clarin, Victoria Alonso is quoted as saying the following when asked whether a digital body double would be employed to bring Boseman back to the screen:

“No. There’s only one Chadwick, and he’s not with us. Our king, unfortunately, has died in real life, not just in fiction, and we are taking a little time to see how we return to history and what we do to honor this chapter of what has happened to us that was so unexpected, so painful, so terrible, really.”

Alonso continued:

 “Because Chadwick was not only a wonder…but it also seems to me that as a character what he did elevated us as a company, and has left his moment in history. I know that sometimes two months go by or three months go by in production and one says, already, it was a long time. But it is not a long time, we have to think carefully about what we are going to do, and how, and think about how we are going to honor the franchise.”

The sentiments were very well said and the decision thoroughly understandable given the circumstances.

It does beg the question of how all involved will navigate the situation from a story-telling perspective.

In the here and now, our thoughts and prayers remain with Boseman’s loved ones.

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: Marvel Studios]