Netflix Cancels Screening Of Chadwick Boseman's Final Film

Netflix, an American technology and media services provider has canceled the virtual preview event for late Chadwick Boseman’s final film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”.

AllNews reports that Boseman died of colon cancer on Friday, August 28, after a four-year battle with the ailment.

His family, in a statement shared on Twitter, said the 43-year-old actor died at home in Los Angeles with his wife and family by his side.

His preview event scheduled to hold on Monday, August 31, was to feature a conversation with Chadwick’s co-star Viola Davis and Tony-winning director George C. Wolfe along with an exclusive first look and footage presentation, Deadline reports.

The event was canceled by Netflix, in a statement where it described the actor as a “true fighter”.

“We are heartbroken over today’s news of the passing of Chadwick Boseman, a ‘true fighter’ as his family called him in their poignant tribute. This is an incredible loss. We are canceling Monday’s preview event of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Please join us in sending your thoughts to his family and loved ones,” the statement read.

Ted Sarandos, Netflix Co-CEO, and Chief Content Officer said: “Chadwick was a superhero on screen and in life, and it’s impossible to imagine working at the level he has while valiantly battling his illness. His legacy as a person and an artist will inspire millions. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.”

The film based on the 1982 August Wilson play follows “The Mother of Blues”, played by Fences Oscar winner Viola Davis, who contends with her ambitious horn player and the white management determined to control her in Chicago 1927.

The film also stars Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, Michael Potts, Taylour Paige, and Dusan Brown co-star alongside Grammy winner Branford Marsalis’ score.

Boseman became a household name after appearing as the Marvel superhero Black Panther in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, and then in director Ryan Coogler’s 2018 film.

He was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina, and got his first television role in 2003, in an episode of Third Watch.