Director Ryan Coogler has shared a memory of Chadwick Boseman attending a press event for Creed uninvited. This happened before Coogler was attached to direct Black Panther. Boseman wanted to assess the filmmaker's style.
Ryan Coogler, known for directing films like Creed and Black Panther, recently recounted an anecdote about the late Chadwick Boseman. In a reflection published by The Hollywood Reporter, Coogler described how Boseman slipped into a press event for the 2015 boxing drama Creed. At that time, Coogler had not yet been officially signed to helm the 2018 Marvel superhero film Black Panther, in which Boseman starred as the titular character.
The purpose of Boseman's covert attendance was to get a better sense of Coogler's directorial approach. This gesture highlights Boseman's proactive interest in the project that would become a cultural milestone. The story underscores the personal connections formed in Hollywood before major collaborations take shape.
Coogler's reminiscence adds a touching layer to the legacy of Boseman, who passed away in 2020. It illustrates the behind-the-scenes efforts that contributed to the success of Black Panther, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide and earned seven Academy Award nominations.