ABC announced today that the network will run the movie ‘Black Panther’ without commercials on Sunday night as a tribute to its star Chadwick Boseman. Boseman died at age 43 after a secret four-year battle with colon cancer.
The movie will run commercial-free from 8 to 10:20 pm. The network will follow it up with an ABC News special called Chadwick Boseman – A Tribute for a King.
Black Panther is one of the most successful movies of all time. The 2018 film brought in $1.3 billion dollars worldwide. Part of the Marvel Universe of superheroes, it tells the story of an African king turned masked crime fighter.
Boseman first played the character in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. According to Boseman’s family, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer the same year the movie was released. Boseman filmed Black Panther, as well as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Boseman starred in 2013’s 42, which told the story of Jackie Robinson and the integration of Major League Baseball. Harrison Ford played local resident Branch Rickey, who was instrumental in breaking the baseball color barrier.
Countless Surgeries and Chemotherapy
Boseman’s announced his death Friday night on social media with this message:
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement continues. “From Marshall to Da 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. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Boseman’s movie Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is scheduled to debut on Netflix sometime before the end of the year. Fans will be able to enjoy Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther for years to come.
