Marvel Studios, DC Comics remember Chadwick Boseman, a ‘hero who transcends universes’

The internet has come together to grieve the loss of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, as have Marvel Studios and DC Comics.

Chadwick Boseman may have been Marvel Studios’ first Black superhero, but Marvel certainly wasn’t alone in mourning his loss after he passed away on Friday night. Following the tragic news that the 43-year-old actor had succumbed to stage four colon cancer, all of Hollywood came together to express their sorrow and celebrate the actor’s legacy.

That included DC Comics, which posted to its Twitter account that Boseman is “a hero who transcends universes.”

Of course, Boseman’s own universe was at just as much a loss over his passing. Marvel Studios posted its own tribute on Twitter, stating, “Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace.”

Disney CEO Bob Iger and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige also shared more personal messages of grief. Iger took to Twitter to speak on Boseman’s “groundbreaking” performance as T’Challa, emphasizing the impact he had on fans who waited far too long to see themselves represented in superhero cinema.

“We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of #chadwickboseman — an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met,” Iger wrote. “He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo. We mourn all that he was, as well as everything he was destined to become.”

Per Variety, Feige wrote in his own statement:

"“Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.”"

Boseman’s Marvel co-stars, as well as many other big names in Hollywood and beyond, also paid tribute to the actor on social media Friday evening. If the reaction has proven anything, it’s that his impact truly did cut across many different worlds. There’s no denying how much he’ll be missed.