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September 24, 2020

Chadwick Boseman mural unveiled in Downtown Disney

WATCH: Chadwick Boseman’s extraordinary, impactful life: Part 1

Chadwick Boseman is being honored with a new mural in California's Downtown Disney.

"King Chad" was created by former Disney Imagineer Nikkolas Smith and depicts Boseman, who played King T'Challa in "Black Panther," giving a Wakanda salute to a child wearing a hospital gown and a "Black Panther" mask.

Boseman, who died last month at 43 following a battle with colon cancer, had famously visited with children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"This one is special. My King Chad tribute is now on a wall on display at Downtown Disney," Smith wrote on Instagram Thursday. "It is a full circle moment for me: my final two projects as a Disney Imagineer last summer were working on the Children's Hospital project and the Avengers Campus. To millions of kids, T'Challa was a legend larger than life, and there was no one more worthy to fill those shoes than Chadwick Boseman. I'm so thankful to be able to honor Chadwick's life and purpose in this way."

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Earlier today, concept artist @Nikkolas_Smith was among the first to see his artwork, "King Chad," displayed in #DowntownDisney. The art installation pays tribute to 'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman with the inscription: "As a former Disney Imagineer, I had the honor of working on a major children's hospital initiative and Avengers Campus as my final two assignments. Seeing Chadwick's heart for people in-person, and later discovering his courageous battle with cancer, I was inspired to create this tribute to honor his life and legacy. To us, he was and will always be T'Challa. Long Live The King."

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Disneyland is not yet open to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Downtown Disney reopened in July with capacity restrictions.

Boseman's death shocked the Hollywood community and his countless fans, as the actor had never publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis. His "Black Panther" co-star, Michael B. Jordan, reflected on the loss in an emotional social media post, remarking, "I wish we had more time."

MORE: What Chadwick Boseman meant to me: 5 Black families reflect on 'Black Panther' star's legacy and the power of representation

"I've been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness," Jordan wrote. "Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family, your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me."

"You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you," he added. "I'm more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire."