740 American Movie Theaters Will Play ‘42’ To Honor Star Chadwick Boseman

TOPLINE

The Jackie Robinson biographical film 42 will be re-released in 740 movie theaters nationwide to celebrate the life of star Chadwick Boseman, who died at age 43 on August 28 after a four-year battle with colon cancer and was known for playing Black icons. 

KEY FACTS

further background

After shutting down because of the Covid-19 pandemic, movie theaters have reopened in at least 45 states, according to IndieWire. Although theaters in New York City and Los Angeles are still closed indefinitely, more than 80% of American theaters are set to open by Labor Day weekend, in time for the September 3 premiere of anticipated blockbuster Tenant. Movie theaters have released public health protocols and some have drastically reduced ticket prices in hopes that people will come back. 

tangent

On Sunday, ABC aired Disney and Marvel’s Black Panther uninterrupted followed by the 20/20 special Chadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King. More than 6 million people watched the Oscar-nominated film and nearly 5 million watched the special, according to Nielson data. In 2018, Black Panther made history as the first major superhero movie with an African protagonist and a majority Black cast.

further reading

Chadwick Boseman’s Jackie Robinson Pic ‘42’ To Play This Weekend In Celebration Of Actor’s Work (Deadline)

More Than 80 Percent of the U.S. Can See ‘Tenet’ in Theaters on September 3 (IndieWire)

‘Black Panther’ Star Chadwick Boseman Dies At 43 (Forbes)

Post Announcing Chadwick Boseman’s Death Is The Most Liked Tweet Of All Time (Forbes)

‘Black Panther’ Star Chadwick Boseman Dies of Cancer at 43 (New York Times)