This story originally appeared Feb. 18, 2018 on AJC.com, less than a month after the release of the blockbuster “Black Panther.” Chadwick Boseman died Aug. 28, 2020, from cancer.
Chadwick Boseman stars in the new Marvel film “Black Panther,” which is already turning into a phenomenon.
» RELATED: Black Twitter can't stop gushing about the Hollywood 'Black Panther' premiere
If you’re curious about what Boseman was up to before he played the king of Wakanda, we’ve rounded up five of his best films to rent or stream this weekend. These will give you a feel for the actor, who up until this point was known for starring in historical biopics. Soon, his superheroics will likely overshadow that reputation.
If you want to see him suit up as Black Panther the first time: "Captain America: Civil War"
Boseman made his debut as the African superhero in 2016's "Civil War," a team-up film that saw many of the heroes from other Marvel movies fighting against each other, either on Team Iron Man or Team Captain America (Boseman's T'Challa/Black Panther fought on the side of Iron Man). It's a good introduction to a fantastic character, and it's only a glimpse of the great things he does in "Black Panther."
If you like a biopic: "42"
Boseman appeared on television and in supporting parts in films before “42,” but the Jackie Robinson biopic catapulted the young actor to stardom. Boseman plays the legendary baseball player through the beginning and height of his career. The film also stars Harrison Ford as baseball executive Branch Rickey.
» RELATED: Meet the Georgia man who was Chadwick Boseman’s stunt double as Jackie Robinson in “42″
If you like a more musical biopic: "Get on Up"
Is James Brown more your style than Jackie Robinson? Don't worry, Boseman got his funk on in this biopic directed by Tate Taylor ("The Help"). The film itself didn't quite live up to the luster of Brown's epic career, but Boseman's dedication to the part was something to behold.
If you prefer a legal biopic: "Marshall"
We weren't kidding about Boseman in biopics. In his most recent real-life story, he plays future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The film zeroes in on one of Marshall's early cases as a lawyer for the NAACP, long before he reached the court.
» RELATED: Chadwick Boseman filmed key roles in Atlanta and Georgia
If you also like Kevin Costner: “Draft Day”
This slightly underrated football drama about a team manager (Costner) who doesn't know what to do when his team draws the No. 1 draft pick is fun for fans who love digging into the internal politics of the football world. Boseman has a supporting role as a linebacker in contention for the draft.
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