“The coolest day ever!”
That’s how nine-year-old Ian Hopgood described Friday after the surprise visit by his favorite actor Chadwick Boseman, according to Cobb schools.
Boseman is the star of the first solo "Black Panther" movie, which is being filmed in Atlanta, more than 50 years after the African superhero hit the pages of Marvel and become a member of The Avengers franchise.
"I just want to hug you for now," Ian told Boseman upon seeing him at The HAVEN Academy at Sky View.
Then Ian moved onto more pressing matters: “Can you give me some plot details on the upcoming ‘Black Panther’ movie? I love you.”
Ian was diagnosed in October with a brain tumor on the back of his head. The tumor has affected his vision, speech and mobility.
Boseman — who played James Brown during the "Get On Up" biopic and Jackie Robinson in the film "42" — signed several Black Panther gifts and action figures for Ian.
“I was left speechless,” Ian’s mother Kara Anderson told the school system. “There are no words to describe his generosity ... This is a lasting experience that Ian will use to get him through upcoming challenges.”
The district said Ian and his mother will move to Seattle before the end of the school year where a grandmother and uncle will support them while going to a nearby children's hospital. A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help with Ian's care.
Ian’s teacher Alisha Smith and a paraprofessional, Kendrick Love, helped the Black Panther stalk his prey before striking.
Boseman chilled with Ian along with students and staff for more than 90 minutes.
It makes sense that the Black Panther would be comfortable in a school, considering the character was a part-time school teacher at one point.
The movie's director is Ryan Coogler and features a cast including "Creed" star Michael B. Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong'o, "The Walking Dead" cast member Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke and Florence Kasumba. The film is due out in February 2018.
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