You know his name.
He’s T’Challa, Black Panther, King of Wakanda … he also goes byChadwick Boseman.
So does TChalla feel more like a king or more like Black Panther?
Chadwick Boseman: At the beginning of this movie?
Theres unrest in Wakanda.
So its probably going to feel like its more about the political unrest than the superhero, initially.
Image via Marvel Studios
Boseman: Hes been prepared for it his whole life.
Hes groomed, so to speak, to do it.
I think its just the mental transition.
Image via Disney/Marvel
Is approaching this role different than working onCaptain America: Civil War?
Boseman: I mean yeah, obviously.
Whats the fallout for TChalla, both personally and from the rest of Wakanda, for not taking vengeance?
Image via Marvel Studios
Boseman: The fallout?
Boseman: Fallout is a really strong word, but maybe thats because its me.
You dont want to criticize yourself.
Image via Marvel Studios
So that would be the best way to describe it.
But is it complete unrest where he cant overcome it?
I wouldnt go that far.
Image via Marvel Studios
For him internally, do you feel that TChalla is comfortable with the choice he made inCivil War?
I think he is comfortable with the final choice, that final choice.
Shes like, you dont believe me.
Image via Marvel Studios
I dont want to believe you.
The #BlackPantherSoLit hashtag…
Boseman: Yeah, see… Its the baby of Stan Lee and Feige.
How did collaborating with Ryan shape the way you saw Black Panther and his story?
Image via Marvel Studios
Did you look at the character differently after he came onboard and you started talking about the character?
Did it refine the way you look at him?
Boseman: I think we have very similar views anyway.
Its kind of like that.
Were constantly building on each other, so its been a good marriage so far.
Was there like a weight was lifted because you didnt have to tell somebodys story and their truth?
Boseman: Its like putting down one weight and picking up another one, though.
I think the preparation is basically the same.
And the different genres feed on each other.
So I think they help each other.
Really, playing Thurgood Marshall is preparation for this.
Thats kind of what its like.
Once youve doneCivil Waryou cant really stop training for this.
What fascinates you about being a part of the Marvel family now?
And to be specific about this film and this character, its just a good character.
Its an interesting character.
Because if it was somehow not as good as it is, I wouldnt want to do it.
Just because its Marvel, it doesnt mean you want to do it.
They tend to be offering people stuff thats interesting and good and wanting to push envelopes in certain places.
For me, every project has to be something thats challenging and cool and thats a challenge for me.
It keeps me interested.
So thats all that really matters.
This is definitely one of them.
Can you talk about the female characters that youre playing [opposite]?
Boseman: Thats a loaded question right there.
Ive got to watch you.
I think the first one Im going to talk about is actually Shuri, played by Letitia.
Usually you have the damsel in distress.
I dont think there are any damsels in distress in this movie; that doesnt exist in this movie.
Like you say, all these characters are strong.
Even if its not a physical prowess, there is a mental prowess.
So I think thats the one that stands out the most.
Obviously you have Angela Bassett here.
Shes incredible to watch and, again, shes always really strong.
I love them as actresses.
They challenge the director everyday.
Hes like, “Theyre getting in me.”
So I think its cool to have conflict thats not “Im going to kill you conflict.”
You need other types of conflict to bring out other parts of your character.
I wanted to just talk really quick about TChallas love life.
Because we would love to see that.
Boseman: To be what?
Or you be moved?
We would love to see that.
I would say, yeah.
Youre talking about Ayo, Ayo’s character.
