Chadwick Boseman’s Words That Transformed Ryan Coogler’s Journey
Ryan Coogler opens up about a pivotal moment with Chadwick Boseman on the Black Panther set, revealing how a few words changed his approach to filmmaking and self-doubt.
Few moments in recent film history have left such a mark as the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman in 2020. His performances, whether in grand-scale blockbusters or more intimate productions, have left an indelible impression on audiences and colleagues alike. Among his most memorable roles was T’Challa, first seen in Captain America: Civil War and later at the heart of Black Panther, a project helmed by Ryan Coogler. For Coogler, the scale of the Marvel epic brought its own set of pressures, and it was during this period that Boseman’s influence became particularly profound.
Reflecting on his time with Boseman, Coogler recently shared a story that has stayed with him ever since. Appearing on Amy Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang, he described how his relationship with the late actor shaped his outlook.
“When I look back at my relationship with him, it taught me so much. But the biggest thing is to not take things for granted. Even all of this, the success of Coogler’s new film, Sinners... doing awards press with my cast. Before losing him, I would not be present in those moments. I would be overwhelmed or considering it to be work, or dealing with impostor syndrome. When I would be stressed on Panther, I would say, ‘Man, I have to hurry up and do this, or I’m going to get fired.’ [Boseman] would say, ‘Hey, man, stop saying that.'”
Guidance on Set
It was Boseman’s steady presence that helped Coogler navigate the anxieties of such a high-profile production. The director recalled how, at moments when self-doubt crept in, Boseman would quietly intervene.
“[Boseman] actually pulled me to the side and was like, ‘Yo, stop saying that, man.'”
Coogler, convinced he might be replaced at any moment, found reassurance in Boseman’s words.
“Yo, I’m not going to let anything happen to you… I’m not letting nobody fire you, bro, [so] please stop saying that. Relax, man. Do your work, enjoy it.”
That simple encouragement proved to be a turning point, allowing Coogler to focus on the task at hand rather than the fear of failure.
Legacy of a Landmark Film
The result was a film that not only dominated the box office but also became a cultural touchstone. Black Panther soared to become the second highest-grossing film of its year, trailing only behind Avengers: Infinity War. It also achieved the highest rating for any Marvel Studios release on Rotten Tomatoes, with a remarkable 96% certified fresh score. The accolades that followed, including a string of award nominations, confirmed its status as more than just another superhero flick.
Yet, for Coogler, the true impact lay in the lessons he carried forward. Boseman’s advice to remain grounded and present has continued to shape his approach, even as he faced the daunting task of directing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever after Boseman’s death. The emotional weight of that production, coupled with the collective grief of the cast and crew, made the process all the more challenging. Still, Coogler managed to see it through, honouring Boseman’s memory in the process.
Moving Forward with Purpose
That same ethos has carried over into Coogler’s subsequent work, including the much-anticipated Sinners, set for release in 2025. The director’s commitment to staying present, despite the whirlwind of success and expectation, remains a testament to the influence of Boseman’s words. With a third Black Panther film already in the pipeline, Coogler appears determined to keep that spirit alive, both on set and beyond.