New Chadwick Boseman Artwork on Display in Downtown Disney

Southern California artist Nikkolas Smith has shared a look at a new piece that he created as a tribute to the life of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, who died last month at the age of 43 after a battle with colon cancer. “King Chad” is now on display on the former ESPN Zone building in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort

Smith, who worked at Walt Disney Imagineering for 11 years, is a concept artist, author of children’s books, and film illustrator.

My #KingChad tribute is now on display at Downtown Disney. I’m so thankful to be able to honor Chadwick’s life and purpose in this way. I am grateful to the @Disney family for being so supportive of my journey as an artist.
🐾✨ #LongLiveTheKing
#WakandaForever @Disneyland pic.twitter.com/jbav7ItqA7

— NIKKOLAS (@4NIKKOLAS) September 24, 2020

Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock and Walt Disney Imagineering President Bob Weis also shared their thoughts:

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This morning, a heartwarming and beautiful piece of art was put on display in #DowntownDisney. We are deeply honored to feature “King Chad” as a tribute to our beloved ‘Black Panther’ hero, Chadwick Boseman. Many thanks to concept artist (and former Disney Imagineer), Nikkolas Smith, for sharing this inspirational tribute to Chadwick’s life and legacy. #WakandaForever

A post shared by Ken Potrock (@kenpotrock) on Sep 24, 2020 at 11:59am PDT

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So proud of @Nikkolas_Smith and his incredibly moving tribute to Chadwick Boseman. As an Imagineer, Nikk constantly impressed us with his talent and vision, but seeing all he has achieved on his own is truly an inspiration.

A post shared by Bob Weis (@bobweis) on Sep 24, 2020 at 12:00pm PDT

Source: @NIKKOLAS / NIKKOLAS.art

Tom Bell

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Tom is the host and producer of the DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition podcast, plus Disneyland Editor of The DIS. He enjoys traveling with his wife and teenage son. At this point, their favorite destination is Alaska, with a FIFTH cruise there planned for the Summer of 2019. In his spare time he volunteers with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, and help found his son's former Cub Scout Pack. His favorite Disneyland attraction is Space Mountain.