How Did T’Challa Actually Die In The MCU ?

T’Challa Death In Wakanda Forever Reflects Real Life Passing Away Of Chadwick Boseman

By Amitabh Mukherji
November 16,2022
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The spectacular box office success of 2018’s Black Panther can be attributed to the entire cast and crew, but star Chadwick Boseman played King T’Challa and helped make him one of the most adored figures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Thus, once Boseman passed away following a fight with cancer, everyone questioned whether Wakanda could continue without its leader. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever deals with Boseman’s passing in-universe rather than recasting the role or eliminating King T’Challa from the picture. That’s because King T’Challa also dies in the MCU, and he does so in a manner that is reflective of the actor who inspired the renowned character.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s director, Ryan Coogler, made the decision to integrate Boseman’s passing into the narrative. It turned out to be a wonderful homage to the late Chadwick Boseman.

How Does T’Challa Die In Wakanda Forever ?

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever gives a fitting tribute to Chadwick Boseman
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever gives a fitting tribute to Chadwick Boseman

King T’Challa‘s devastating sickness is never revealed in Wakanda Forever, but the narrative implies that the hero kept his condition a secret from his loved ones until it was too late. T’Challa had to endure the pain alone while something consumed him from the inside out since he didn’t want to worry anyone before his time arrived.
That admirable act reflects Boseman’s own battle with colon cancer. The world was shocked by the actor’s passing because fans were unaware of his extensive suffering. Most of us were just made aware of his colon cancer after his family tragically announced his passing.

After watching Wakanda Forever, many fans assumed that T’Challa might have passed away from cancer; however, that is not the case. In the comic books, Wakanda has already developed the science and medications to treat cancer. It’s great that the studio kept the disease a secret because the focus of the film was more on honoring his life and legacy than on how he passed away.

How Does T’Challa Die In The Comics ?

T'Challa's Death In The MCU
T’Challa’s Death In The MCU

In Marvel Comics Earth 616, T’Challa suffers a serious injury during the “Trial of the Panther,” during which the nation’s protector is chosen. T’Challa’s older brother M’Baku discovers him bleeding, mute, and on the verge of passing out, but mockingly refers to him as a fool for trying the trial. Later, M’Baku adds that he should have taken the trial rather than T’Challa. M’Baku departs the kingdom in rage over his father’s decision to share Wakanda’s technology with America in exchange for assistance in saving T’Challa’s life. T’Challa still passes away from his wounds, but in a later issue he is revived.

Boseman will be honored by all Marvel fans as the real king of Wakanda, a good man who showed us all how to dream of a society where we build more bridges rather than burn them. Rest Easy King.