Lupita Nyong'o reveals what she misses most about Chadwick Boseman

"He brought his entire being to that movie. He was just so humble as well."

April 7, 2021, 10:15 AM

Lupita Nyong'o recently honored the late Chadwick Boseman, revealing her fondest memory of the "Black Panther" star and what she misses most about him.

When appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show Tuesday, the actress talked about what it was like filming with the Oscar-nominated actor, who died in August following a silent battle with stage four colon cancer.

"He led the movie with such compassion and just presence," she recalled. "When Chadwick came on set he was present, and he brought his entire being to that movie. He was just so humble as well."

Nyong'o played Boseman's love interest, Nakia, in the 2018 hero flick.

The positive attitude the late actor demonstrated on set is what Nyong'o says she will miss most.

"That leadership will be missed. And he was my friend, so it’s hard to think of him in the past tense," she expressed.

With the actress set to return to Wakanda in the "Black Panther" sequel, she said she knows Boseman is cheering her on from beyond.

"I do know for certain that he would want us to do this," said Nyong'o before noting how "Black Panther 2" will salute its original star, which she says has made it easier for her to reprise her respective movie role.

She added, "I feel that what [director] Ryan Coogler has planned very much honors him and his legacy. So I feel good about going back."

Coogler previously announced in December that the character King T'Challa, aka Black Panther, will always be Boseman's in the MCU so it will not be recast.

"Black Panther 2" is slated to open in theaters July 8, 2022.