Boseman plays an ambitious trumpeter in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, his final project before losing the battle to colon cancer.
The news of Chadwick Boseman's death is just one of the awful things we woke up to in 2020. The actor has been called 'a true fighter' for secretly fighting colon cancer for four years, making a total of seven films, including two movies that have yet to be released.
The last project shot before Boseman died was Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, based on the play by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer August Wilson. The upcoming Netflix project is directed by George C. Wolf and stars Boseman as Levee, a trumpeter with big dreams seeking to mark his place in the music industry.
The film is set in 1927 Chicago, particularly on a recording session where tensions rise between real-life blues icon Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), Levee (Boseman), and the white management determined to control her music.
Expect a dramatic confrontation as unspoken truths and lies spill out while tension rises between the group. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom will also touch on sensitive issues, including racist exploitation of black artists and their struggle to combat institutional oppression.
Netflix is yet to announce an official release date for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
A virtual preview event for the film was scheduled for Monday (August 31). However, Netflix delayed the preview following Boseman's death on Friday, August 28.
In a statement, Netflix said:
"We are heartbroken over today’s news of the passing of Chadwick Boseman, a ‘true fighter’ as his family called him in their poignant tribute.
"This is an incredible loss. We are canceling Monday’s preview event of ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.’ Please join us in sending your thoughts to his family and loved ones.”
Meanwhile, Boseman's other film that's yet to come out is Yasuke, based on the real-life story of the eponymous African samurai.
Unfortunately, the release date for Yasuke remains unknown as of this writing.
Boseman is greatly known for playing T'challa in the Black Panther movie, a role which Marvel revealed they knew immediately he was perfect for.
Aside from playing the iconic superhero role, Boseman is also known for portraying Black figures, including Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall.
The last film released before his death was Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods, an acclaimed Vietnam War drama. The film follows a group of aging Vietnam war veterans who return to the country to look for the remains of their fallen squad leader and the treasures they buried.
Da 5 Bloods was released on Netflix on June 12, 2020.
Chadwick Boseman's dedication to his passion has moved people from all around the world. They are now revisiting the many roles he portrayed throughout his career.
Colleagues and fans from all around the world paid tribute and honored him in different ways. His contribution to the film industry will forever be cherished. He is a true icon of strength and resilience.
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