After a private four-year battle with colon cancer, Boseman died in August 2020 at the age of 43.

Michael B. Jordan keeps a stuffed black panther to remind him of late friend and costar Chadwick Boseman

After a private four-year battle with colon cancer, Boseman died in August 2020 at the age of 43.

By Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff is an award-winning journalist and staff writer at ** with over 12 years of experience covering all facets of the entertainment industry.

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February 6, 2026 7:56 p.m. ET

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Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan at a 'Black Panther' after-party in NYC in 2018. Credit: Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty

Wakanda forever.

Michael B. Jordan has a sweet way of keeping his late *Black Panther* costar, Chadwick Boseman, close to his heart.

In the latest edition of BAFTA's *Playback* video series, the *Sinners* star showed off a stuffed black panther. Picking it up and looking at it, Jordan tells the camera, "I see my guy right here, man. Yeah, as soon as I see this I think of my friend Chadwick Boseman."

Of the stuffed animal, he added, "It will forever remind me of him, and, you know, the time we had a chance to finally, finally work together."

Michael B. Jordan keeps a stuffed black panther to remind him of his friend Chadwick Boseman.

Jordan played the villainous Erik Killmonger while Boseman played T'Challa/Black Panther in the 2018 Marvel epic.

In August 2020, Boseman died at 43 after a quiet four-year battle with colon cancer. Days later, Jordan shared an emotional tribute to his friend and costar.

"I've been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel," Jordan wrote in an Instagram post along with photos of him with Boseman. "I've been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything. I wish we had more time."

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Jordan explained that one of the last times he spoke to his friend, Boseman told him the two were "forever linked," which meant even more to him upon hearing news of the actor's death.

"Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with *All My Children* when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me," he wrote. "You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not… I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness... Everything you've given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever."

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Jordan continued, "But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most... You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here."

The actor ended his tribute by adding, "I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I'll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I'm dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. 'Is this your king!?' Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother."

The *BAFTA Playback* video comes on the heels of Jordan's latest movie, *Sinners*, making Oscars history. The film became the most nominated ever by the awards show, receiving a whopping 15 nods, including for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Jordan for his dual roles of twin brothers Smoke and Stack.**

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