Veteran South African actor John Kani, 81, has opened up about the deep connection he shared with late actor Chadwick Boseman while working on Black Panther. Kani, who portrayed T’Chaka, the father of Boseman’s iconic character T’Challa, recalled how their relationship extended beyond the set, leading to an outpouring of sympathy when Boseman passed away in 2020.
Emotional Messages After Boseman’s Death
During an interview at the Los Angeles premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King on December 9, 2024, Kani shared that he received a large number of condolence messages after Boseman’s death. Many of the messages came from people who mistakenly believed that Boseman was his real son.
“When Chadwick passed away, I got a thousand messages of deepest condolences,” Kani recalled. “At first, I tried to explain, ‘No, he’s not my son, he’s my son in the movie,’ but I just accepted now that he was my son,” he added. Kani’s recognition of the special bond they shared on-screen and off-screen shows the profound impact Boseman had on him.
A Close Bond On and Off-Screen
Kani and Boseman developed a strong relationship while working together on Black Panther. Kani revealed that he and Boseman often referred to each other as “father” and “son” during filming. “Here is this kid. He is incredible. I’m with my son, Atandwa. Both of them were like my children, they called me ‘daddy’ right through,” Kani said, referring to his son, who also appeared in the film.
Kani emphasized the hard work and dedication that Boseman displayed on set. The late actor was known for his professionalism, often pushing for perfection in every scene. “He wanted to be sure. In Chad we had a sense of time,” Kani said, highlighting Boseman’s tireless approach to filmmaking.
Kani’s Memories of Boseman’s Work Ethic
Boseman’s commitment to his craft left a lasting impression on Kani. “He worked on a schedule he only knew, and understood that we haven’t gotten enough time. He wanted a 25-hour day so he could get the opportunity to say everything he wanted to say,” Kani added. This tireless work ethic was something Kani cherished in his young co-star, who always sought to perfect his performances.
Tributes to Boseman
Following Boseman’s death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. One such tribute came from Lupita Nyong’o, who shared a moving post on what would have been Boseman’s 48th birthday on November 29, 2024. Nyong’o, who starred alongside Boseman in Black Panther, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, quoting Henri Nouwen, a 20th-century Dutch theologian: “Those you have loved deeply and who have died live on in you, not just as memories but as real presences.”
Boseman’s legacy continues to live on in the memories of those who worked closely with him, including Kani, who cherishes their time together both on set and off.
John Kani’s Continued Work in Film
John Kani is returning to the big screen in December 2024, reprising his role as Rafiki in the upcoming prequel Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins. Kani expressed his excitement about revisiting the role, which he previously played in Jon Favreau’s 2019 version of The Lion King. “Going back to Rafiki was an incredible journey,” Kani said. “We’re both over 80, that’s the other thing. I too now have seven children and 10 grandchildren. So talking to Blue Ivy as Kiara, I knew how to do that because I’m always talking to grandchildren.”
For more updates on John Kani and Chadwick Boseman, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
Source: People
