Black Panther director Ryan Coogler has paid an emotional tribute to the film's star Chadwick Boseman saying he hasn't "grieved a loss this acute before".
Boseman's family announced on Saturday that the 43-year-old star had died following a private four-year battle with colon cancer.
In a lengthy written tribute to the actor, Coogler said: "Chad was an anomaly. He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time."
The filmmaker said he "wasn't privy" to the details of the actor's illness, reflecting on how he worked with Boseman but had no idea he had cancer.
"After his family released their statement, I realised that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him," Coogler said.
"Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art.
"Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he's left for us."
Coogler has been working on Black Panther 2, set for release in May 2022. However, it is now unclear how Disney will approach the film.
"I haven't grieved a loss this acute before," Coogler said, while discussing his work on the upcoming movie. "I spent the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say, that we weren't destined to see.
"It leaves me broken knowing that I won't be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take.
"It hurts more to know that we can't have another conversation, or Facetime, or text message exchange. He would send vegetarian recipes and eating regimens for my family and me to follow during the pandemic. He would check in on me and my loved ones, even as he dealt with the scourge of cancer."
Coogler finished the message by describing Boseman as an "ancestor," adding: "And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again."
