Ryan Coogler Shares Chadwick Boseman's Life-Changing Words
Ryan Coogler opens up about the advice Chadwick Boseman gave him on the set of Black Panther, revealing how it helped him overcome self-doubt and shaped his approach to filmmaking.
Few losses in recent memory have hit the film world as hard as Chadwick Boseman's passing in 2020. Known for his powerful roles across a range of productions, Boseman left a mark that still resonates. His portrayal of T'Challa in Black Panther, under the direction of Ryan Coogler, stands out as a career-defining moment for both men. For Coogler, the pressure of helming such a major project was immense, but it was Boseman's support that helped him keep his head above water.
Speaking on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast, Coogler reflected on the impact Boseman had on him, both personally and professionally. He said,
"When I look back at my relationship with him, it taught me so much. But the biggest thing is to not take things for granted. Even all of this, the success of Coogler’s new film, Sinners... doing awards press with my cast. Before losing him, I would not be present in those moments. I would be overwhelmed or considering it to be work, or dealing with impostor syndrome. When I would be stressed on Panther, I would say, ‘Man, I have to hurry up and do this, or I’m going to get fired.’ [Boseman] would say, ‘Hey, man, stop saying that.'"
Staying Grounded on Set
Coogler admitted that the weight of expectation often left him feeling out of his depth. The fear of not measuring up, or being replaced, was a constant companion during the production. But Boseman, ever the steady hand, would pull him aside and offer reassurance. As Coogler recalled,
"[Boseman] actually pulled me to the side and was like, ‘Yo, stop saying that, man.'"
Boseman’s words were simple but effective, helping Coogler to focus on the task at hand rather than the pressure swirling around him.
He went on to share more of Boseman's encouragement:
"Yo, I’m not going to let anything happen to you… I’m not letting nobody fire you, bro, [so] please stop saying that. Relax, man. Do your work, enjoy it."
That support allowed Coogler to stay present and enjoy the process, rather than being consumed by anxiety.
Box Office Triumph and Critical Acclaim
The result was a film that not only smashed box office records but also became a cultural touchstone. Black Panther ended up as the second highest-grossing film of its year, only trailing Avengers: Infinity War. It also earned the highest rating for any Marvel Studios production on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 96% certified fresh score. The film’s success went beyond the numbers, picking up a swag of award nominations and proving itself as a standout in the superhero genre.
For Coogler, the experience was transformative. Boseman's advice to stay in the moment and not let self-doubt take over became a guiding principle, not just for Black Panther, but for his future projects as well.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
After Boseman's death, Coogler faced the daunting task of directing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The emotional toll on the cast and crew was significant, but Coogler leaned on the lessons he’d learnt from his late friend. He managed to see the film through, honouring Boseman’s memory in the process.
That same approach has carried over to his latest work, Sinners, one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. Coogler has already confirmed he’s working on a third Black Panther film, with plans for production already in motion. Boseman’s influence, it seems, continues to shape his journey.