Black Panther, specifically the character T'Challa as portrayed by Chadwick Boseman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), died of an unspecified illness in the storyline of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." This was incorporated into the movie following Chadwick Boseman's real-life death from colon cancer in 2020, which he battled privately for four years. The film reflects his passing by showing T'Challa's death due to a grave illness, without specifying cancer in the script, as a way to honor Boseman and handle the character's exit respectfully.

How T'Challa's Death Was Depicted

• T'Challa dies at the beginning of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" from an undisclosed illness, which parallels Boseman's real-life passing.
• The movie shows the impact of his death on Wakanda and his family, particularly his sister Shuri's efforts to save him and recreate the heart-shaped herb that granted Black Panther his powers.
• The illness is described as serious and incurable in the film, mirroring the sudden and human nature of Boseman's death rather than a battle or supernatural cause.

Chadwick Boseman's Death

• Chadwick Boseman, who played T'Challa, died from colon cancer at home with his family in 2020, after years of private treatment.
• His death was a shock to fans as he never publicly disclosed his illness.
• Marvel chose not to recast T'Challa but instead wrote his death into the MCU to respectfully honor Boseman’s legacy.

This approach provided a meaningful tribute both to the actor and the character he embodied, making the loss a central part of the story moving forward.