'Black Panther' Director Ryan Coogler Would Spar With Chadwick Boseman Before Fight Scenes

Chadwick Boseman reveals director Ryan Coogler's literal hands-on approach before filming 'Black Panther' fight scenes.

Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman dap up one another.
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Image via Getty/Kevin Winter

Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman dap up one another.

Black Panther director Ryan Coogler had a literal hands-on approach when it came to ensuring that Chadwick Boseman was in the right mindset before filming certain fight scenes in the upcoming Marvel movie. Following the cast's appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, Boseman sat down with Vulture where he revealed that he and Coogler would spar with one another to get the energy level to where it needs to be. 

When asked how often Coogler would take this approach, Boseman responded, "every day," before expanding on the method behind his director's madness. "He’ll come to your trailer and grab you," he said. "He’s very hands-on. He likes to be physical and be part of it. In some fight scenes, if he feels like he needs your energy to get up, he’ll get in there to spar with you before you start. We throwin’ punches and kicks at each other.”

As for who came away victorious in these sparring sessions, Boseman wanted to keep those details close to the Vibranium vest. "We’re not gonna talk about what happened,” he said. “That’s between us.”

Coogler's motivational techniques may seem odd and unorthodox, but Boseman should look no further than his co-star Michael B. Jordan for proof that the 31-year-old actor knows how to get the most out of his actors. Coogler and Jordan have worked on four films together, including the recently announced Wrong Answer, which will be written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. 

Black Panther is slated for a February 16, 2018 release.

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