The loss of Chadwick Boseman was a shock to millions and even months after it happened, fans are still feeling the loss in a big way. While Boseman had built a solid career, playing a number of great characters in solid movies, he'll always be remembered most for portraying Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is why when it came time to bestow the Hero for the Ages award on the late Boseman at the the MTV Movie and TV Awards: Greatest of All Time, it only made sense to include the Avengers. Both Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle spoke about the late actor and had some powerful words to say on his behalf.
In a virtual message presented during the annual MTV awards show, the two Marvel actors spoke not simply about the popular actor that everybody knew from the big screen, but the man that they both knew personally. Robert Downey Jr. said that the energy that Chadwick Boseman presented on screen was just as noticeable when you met the real man. The fact that the loss of Boseman has been such a blow to so many is because there truly was something unique about the actor. According to Downey...
The second you first saw him onscreen or had the opportunity to meet him in person, his energy and intensity was undeniable. There was something different and special about Chadwick Boseman.
This sentiment is one that we've certainly heard before. In the weeks and months since the death of Chadwick Boseman from cancer it's been clear that it wasn't simply that the actor played a popular character in a movie that made him so beloved. Rather, there was something about Chadwick Boseman as a man and as an actor that made him the perfect choice to play that iconic character in the first place.
Because of 2020's significant lack of new movies and television to honor at the annual awards show, the focus of this year's broadcast was on awarding the Greatest performers and performances of all-time. All-time, in this case dating back to the 1980s, since that's when MTV got started. Boseman was honored with the Hero For the Ages Award. Don Cheadle also spoke at length about Chadwick Boseman, and the way that he inspired not only fans, but also the people that he worked with. According to Cheadle...
Each time he stepped on the set, he inspired and influenced everyone. And with every role he created a new legion of fans. He had an incredible power to unify people through their love for his work and respect for him as a person.
Chadwick Boseman may be a hero for the ages, but how his on-screen hero, Black Panther, will move forward on the big screen, is unclear. A sequel movie was planned prior to the actor's death, and at this point the movie is still on the schedule, though certainly, significant changes will be needed.
