A Gay Kiss Was Cut From ‘Wakanda Forever’s Original Script – Out Magazine

January 10, 2023 News Editor

A Gay Kiss Was Cut From Wakanda Forever‘s Original Script

Marvel Studios’ popular Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, hit theaters last November to generally positive reviews. And now, thanks to the r/MarvelStudiosSpoilers thread on Reddit and user u/IronMan_MarkLXXXV, the original script for the film is now available online.

The screenplay, which is also available to read as part of Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series, showed some disparities and differences from the original idea to the film that made it to the final cut.

One notable change comes between the characters Ayo (Florence Kasumba) and Aneka (Michaela Coel), who shared little more than a peck on the forehead with only a hint they were romantically involved in the film.

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The original script, however, features a scene with the two in Aneka’s apartment during a house party. Ayo announces she’s there on behalf of the Elders, who would like to offer Aneka restoration as a Dora.

Aneka accepts and gives Ayo a kiss on the cheek, which Ayo responds to by kissing her on the lips and confirming their romantic involvement. After asking if they were on good terms and receiving confirmation they were from Aneka, the scene ends.

Disney has had some confusion around homosexuality recently, what with their 17 “first gay characters” and their attempts at minimizing LGBTQ+ representation in their films, so it’s likely they played more into the decision than those who head the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

There are still plenty of characters within the MCU who fall on the LGBTQ+ spectrum in one way or the other, but Disney’s attempts to appease groups who oppose homosexuality could further the divide and cause more harm.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to hit the Disney+ streaming platform on February 1.

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