Ryan Coogler has spent the better part of the last decade shaping some of the most culturally resonant films of his generation. But in a recent podcast appearance, the filmmaker made it clear that one of the most meaningful lessons he’s ever learned didn’t come from a film set manual or an awards stage; it came from Chadwick Boseman.
During an episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Coogler opened up about his relationship with Boseman and how the late actor helped him learn how to be present, calm his anxiety, and actually enjoy the moments he was working so hard to create.
The conversation touched on everything from favorite movie theater snacks to imposter syndrome, but it was Coogler’s reflection on Boseman that anchored the episode.
“When I look back on my relationship with him, man, it taught me so much,” Coogler said. “But the biggest thing is, like, to not take things for granted.”
For Coogler, success didn’t always feel celebratory. Even as his films reached massive audiences and critical acclaim, he admitted he struggled to stay grounded in the moment. “Before losing him,” he explained, “I would be not present in those moments… I’d be overwhelmed or consider it to be work, or dealing with imposter syndrome.”
Boseman, however, had a way of cutting through that noise.
Coogler recalled moments on set when stress would take over, when he’d rush through decisions or worry that one wrong move could cost him everything. “I would say, ‘Man, I got to hurry up and do this or I’m going to get fired,’” he said. Boseman didn’t let that thinking slide.
“He actually pulled me to the side,” Coogler shared. “It was like, ‘Yo, stop saying that, man.’ And I’m like, ‘No, I truly believe that.’ He was like, ‘Yo, I’m not going to let anything happen.’”
“He was like, ‘I’m not letting nobody fire you, bro… so please stop saying that. Relax, man. Do your work. Enjoy it.’”
Coogler described Boseman as someone who mastered presence, not in a performative way, but in how he moved through each moment with intention. “That very act of being present, he was so good at that,” Coogler said. “I think about that all the time.”
Even now, years after Boseman’s passing, the lesson continues to show up in Coogler’s life. Walking into the podcast studio with Poehler, he found himself pausing, checking in, and acknowledging where he was. “I’m like, ‘Man, I’m really here,’” he said. “I get to sit on the podcast and I’m here talking… I’ve seen you perform and watch all your movies and your shows.”
There was a sense of awe in his voice, paired with gratitude. “It’s like, damn. Like, I’m being invited to come sit in this same spot.” he said. “Just being present. I literally learned that from him.”
Check out the Good Hang with Amy Poehler episode featuring Ryan Coogler below.
