It is difficult to describe the impact that Chadwick Boseman had on the comic-book community. Even more difficult to describe what his absence means for us. Since Boseman premiered as T’Challa aka Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War, he has been a fan-favorite. Boseman went on to not only do other projects, but the film Black Panther made over a billion dollars. He was so incredibly important to so many people and the idea that now he s gone is unfathomable.
While it is a time to mourn, it is also a time to celebrate. Boseman was so much more than T’Challa. So much more than any other role he had done. He was a father, a son, a loving husband, and a friend to many. So, it’s important to say that – that his life isn’t just defined by the parts he’s played in movies. This is just our little way in keeping his memory alive. That is why I wanted to do my top five favorite moments of Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“Get This Man a Shield!”
It is such a simple scene, but means so much. Everyone is on the brink of war in Wakanda in Avengers: Infinity War. So much is at stake. So much is going on. In this scene, T’Challa stands tall as king and gives the battle orders. And within this command, he orders for Captain America to be given a shield. T’Challa not only knew Steve Rogers no longer had his traditional shield, but knew the importance of him having one in battle. It’s just such a small scene that meant so much in the trailer and in the film itself.
T’Challa Preventing Zemo From Killing Himself
Everything that happened in Civil War happened because of Zemo. T’Challa’s father was killed because of the terroristic motives of Baron Zemo. Obviously, T’Challa harbored hate in his heart, which is what drove him for the majority of the film. But, after seeing what that hate did to Tony and Steve, T’Challa decides to abandon that hatred. I love his quote about not allowing the hatred to consume him. And I especially love his line “the living are not done with you yet” to Zemo, before stopping the villain from killing himself. It just showed so much about T’Challa’s character and is a really cool scene.
T’Challa Being the First to Emerge from a Portal in Endgame
Avengers: Infinity War shocked all of us when half of the Avengers turned to dust after Thanos snapped his fingers. Avengers: Endgame was all about trying to undo the events of the Snap. During the film, the Avengers must fight against Thanos again, but you don’t know if their efforts to revive the team worked. It’s when Captain America is faced with Thanos’ army that a single portal opens up. Out of it walks Black Panther. Not only was this so cool that he was the first one, but T’Challa’s nod to Cap was so subtle. But, so powerful.
T’Challa Bringing Killmonger Out to See Wakanda
Michael B. Jordan was also quite the scene-stealer in 2018’s Black Panther. Playing the villain Killmonger, he proved himself to be a worthy opponent. Killmonger almost killed T’Challa several times. He attempted to take the throne in Wakanda. And was going to cause carnage all throughout the world. After a major battle between T’Challa and Killmonger, it was clear Killmonger wasn’t going to survive. Always dignified, T’Challa brought Killmonger out to the mountains so Killmonger could gaze upon the beauty of Wakanda before he died.
T’Challa Leading the People of Wakanda in Battle in Avengers: Infinity War
T’Challa exuded the right qualities as a king and a leader. We saw this especially in Avengers: Infinity War. Not only did he take in all of the people he had formally fought against in Civil War, but he knew the importance of trying to defeat someone like Thanos. It is such a powerful scene when T’Challa stands at the forefront of his army, awaiting Thanos’ beasts. T’Challa was never the person to sit back and let his army fight for him. He was there, right in front, proclaiming the battle cries of his people before leading them valiantly into battle.
There are so many great scenes from Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Any scene with T’Challa and Shuri were great. There’s just too many to single out. This was just my small little way to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman. Because, I am sure there are many like me who were introduced to Boseman from Captain America: Civil War. I remember walking out of that film and just knowing he was one of the standouts.
What are some of your favorite Black Panther moments?
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