Black Panther Star Remembers Chadwick Boseman’s Strong Influence as a Big Brother

As a seasoned cinephile who has witnessed the evolution of contemporary cinema, I can confidently say that Daniel Kaluuya’s journey is one for the ages. His performances in groundbreaking films like “Get Out” and “Black Panther” have not only catapulted him into Hollywood stardom but also provided us with unforgettable characters etched into cinematic history.


Daniel Kaluuya has gained significant recognition in Hollywood due to remarkable performances in films like “Get Out” and “Black Panther.” During a recent visit to London, England, the actor shared that meeting his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) co-star was one of the defining moments, not just for his career, but also for his life.

In a recent appearance at the BFI London Film Festival, Daniel Kaluuya, the award-winning actor known for his role in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” discussed his relationship with the late Chadwick Boseman. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Kaluuya shared memories from their encounter:

Encountering Chad was a crucial turning point for me. During dinner, we were seated across from each other. It seemed he could sense that my life was undergoing significant shifts, yet I remained oblivious. He moved closer and I was on the verge of embarking on a whirlwind press tour without a publicist. He noticed my predicament and stepped in to offer help and guidance, even before I had to ask for it. And at that moment, I didn’t realize how or what to ask.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie “Black Panther,” Daniel Kaluuya played W’Kabi alongside Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa. In this film, W’Kabi turned against T’Challa and sided with the usurper Killmonger. Afterwards, Kaluuya rose to fame in Hollywood, earning an Oscar and headlining Jordan Peele’s science fiction horror film “Nope.” Notably, Kaluuya fondly recalls Boseman mentoring him on set.

He acted as my older brother, assisting me in various ways. Following this, the movie “Get Out” was released, and he delivered a heartfelt speech on my birthday which was deeply moving. On set, he displayed exceptional leadership qualities, and I couldn’t help but empathize with him because performing in Marvel productions is no easy task – it’s physically demanding, especially when filming action sequences while wearing those heavy suits during hot weather. Considering the fact that he was enduring all this while facing his personal struggles, I find myself at a loss for words.

… He consistently made time for all, leading with great dignity and unity in mind. With Lupita Nyong’o, he frequently exchanged ideas, understanding that significant changes were happening in my life.

Daniel Kaluuya Recognizes Benicio del Toro as His Biggest Influence

In a conversation during a screen talk event with Ashley Walters (noted for roles in “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” and “Bullet Boy”) at the festival, Kaluuya discussed collaborating with Benicio del Toro in the action thriller “Sicario.” Although Kaluuya’s career predates Denis Villeneuve’s film, he shares that the Puerto Rican actor is his greatest inspiration.

In a Deadline report on the event, it’s noted that he admired Guillermo del Toro’s powerful and expressive performance without words in the film. He shared that his encounter with the actor significantly transformed his understanding of acting, as del Toro often opted to convey emotions through actions rather than dialogue. The quote goes: “‘At that time I always wanted more lines, but I saw this guy, and he was just cutting lines. He’d always say “I can show you that instead.” I was just so in awe of what he did.'”

I’m excited to step back into the shoes of Hobart “Hobie” Brown, also known as Spider-Punk, in the upcoming animated film Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Although Sony hasn’t announced a release date yet, I can’t wait to bring this character to life once more.

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2024-10-10 15:32