Ryan Coogler Shares How Chadwick Boseman’s Words Changed His Path
Director Ryan Coogler opens up about the life-changing 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.
The sudden passing of Chadwick Boseman in 2020 left a lasting impact on Hollywood and fans worldwide. Known for his remarkable range and unforgettable roles, Boseman’s legacy is especially tied to his portrayal of T’Challa in Black Panther, a film that marked a turning point for both Marvel Studios and director Ryan Coogler. As Coogler took on his biggest project yet, the pressure was immense, but a few words from Boseman would end up guiding him through the toughest moments.
During a recent conversation on Amy Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang, Coogler reflected on the lessons he learned from working with Boseman. He shared,
“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.’”
Finding Strength on Set
Boseman’s steady presence and encouragement helped Coogler push through his doubts. The director recalled how Boseman would pull him aside and say,
“Yo, stop saying that, man.”
Even when Coogler feared he might lose his job, Boseman reassured him,
“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.”
These words became a source of comfort and motivation, allowing Coogler to focus on the creative process rather than the pressure.
Black Panther went on to become a cultural milestone, earning the second-highest box office total of 2018, just behind Avengers: Infinity War. The film also achieved a 96% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the most acclaimed entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its critical and commercial success redefined what a superhero movie could be, earning multiple award nominations and setting a new standard for the genre.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Coogler has continued to draw on Boseman’s advice in his career. Despite the emotional challenges that came with making Black Panther: Wakanda Forever after Boseman’s death, Coogler managed to finish the film as a tribute to his late friend. The experience was both difficult and inspiring, pushing the cast and crew to honor Boseman’s memory through their work.
That same mindset has carried over into Coogler’s latest project, Sinners, one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. As he looks ahead to the third Black Panther installment, which he’s already begun developing, Coogler remains committed to staying grounded and present—values instilled in him by Boseman’s unforgettable guidance.