Spike Lee has opened up about working with the late Chadwick Boseman, revealing he had no idea the actor, who died in August, had secretly been battling cancer while filming with the director.
In a new interview with Variety, Lee discussed working with the actor in his second last film Da 5 Bloods, Lee’s Vietnam war film that was released earlier this year.
“I didn’t know Chad was sick,” Lee admitted.
“He did not look well, but my mind never took that he had cancer. It was a very strenuous shoot. I mean, we all didn’t get to Vietnam until the end of the movie at Ho Chi Minh City. But that other stuff, the jungle stuff, was shot in Thailand. It was 100 degrees every day. It was also at that time the worst air pollution in the world.”
He continued, “I understand why Chadwick didn’t tell me because he didn’t want me to take it easy. If I had known, I wouldn’t have made him do the stuff. And I respect him for that.”
Boseman passed away this August at the age of 43 following a secret four-year battle with colon cancer, with his shock death being confirmed via a statement on his social media pages.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” began the statement. “Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.”
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” it continued. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”
“It was the honour of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
