‘This was our king’ - SA 'Black Panther' stars pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman

South African stars who worked closely with the late US actor Chadwick Boseman in the box office hit Black Panther have expressed their heartbreak over his death.

Chadwick died at the weekend at the age of 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

Atandwa Kani, who played a young King T'Chaka in Black Panther, took to social media to share how shocked and heartbroken he was at the news.

“I have no words. I love you, my brother.. I love you, bruv. May your beautiful soul rest in eternal peace," he wrote.

Atandwa's father, veteran actor John Kani, played the role of the elder King T'Chaka. He also offered his condolences to Chadwick's family.

Trevor Noah, who also worked on the popular blockbuster and got a chance to sit down with Chadwick on The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, spoke highly about the man who he believed was regal in real life as well.

“Yes, this was our king. Not because we served him or because he ruled. But because of how he served us in everything he did. He played a hero on screen and lived like one in real life.

“From South Carolina to SA he made so many of us proud of who we are, and for that he will always be our king. Hamba kahle, Chadwick. Sizoku bona phambili” Trevor said.

Legendary actress Connie Chiume also took to social media to bid farewell to Chadwick.

She revealed they had recently received and celebrated good news about Black Panther 2,  and she was looking forward to seeing the actor again.

“I am in so much pain, Chadwick. I was looking forward to see you again next year. We just received our good news about Black Panther 2 and today I wake up to this. Rest in peace, Chadwick Boseman. Wakanda forever!”

Other South African stars have expressed their sadness at Chadwick's untimely passing.

Nomzamo Mbatha penned a beautiful tribute expressing the profound loss she was feeling.

“I’ve had a lump in my throat since I woke up yesterday. This weird and heavy feeling pressing down on my chest. I would be driving or eating or sitting, and I kept letting out this random sigh.

“My mind cannot reconcile so many things about this season we are experiencing. This decade has a whole new spiritual angle it’s taking us on. Many, many profound losses," Nomzamo wrote.

Maps Maponyane and Rami Chuene were left in awe of the work Chadwick did, even while fighting for his life.