Chadwick Boseman was honored by Disney, which unveiled a new mural of the star of Black Panther at the Anaheim Downtown Disney location.
The mural was created by former Disney Imagineer Nikkolas Smith, and illustrates Boseman performing the popular Wakanda salute along with a child who can be seen wearing a Black Panther mask as well as a hospital gown. The photos of the completed mural were shared by Smith on his Instagram account.
“As a former Disney Imagineer, I had the honor of working on a major children’s hospital initiative and Avengers Campus as my final two assignments,” read Smith’s inscription on the painting. “Seeing Chadwick’s heart for people in-person, and later discovering his courageous battle with cancer, I was inspired to create this tribute to honor his life and legacy. To us, he was and will always be T’Challa. Long Live The King.”
It was on August 28 that Boseman’s family announced about the actor’s demise, who silently battled with colon cancer for four years. The actor of 42 breathed his last at his Los Angeles home and his wife and other family members were present by his side. “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said in the statement.
“From Marshall toDa 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more — all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
Just a few days following his demise, he was reportedly laid to rest at the Welfare Baptist Church Cemetery in Belton, South Carolina, located only 11 miles away from his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina.
The main park of Disneyland is closed right now due to the pandemic, albeit Anaheim’s Downtown Disney section continues to remain open to the public. Check out the mural below.
© 2020, Jonathan P-Wright. All rights reserved.
