Marvel Studios has been doing their best to make the Marvel Cinematic Universe a more diverse franchise for all. Surprisingly, however, it appears that Marvel decided to cut what would have been their first lesbian kiss.
The franchise has already introduced its first gay superhero with Phastos in Eternals. And, of course, Loki confirmed that its titular character is bisexual. But it would’ve been none other than Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to show the franchise’s first on-screen lesbian kiss.
This was confirmed by a Black Panther: Wakanda Forever script that surfaced online. As shown via Reddit, the screenplay featured a moment between Ayo (Florence Kasumba) and Aneka (Michaela Coel) at the end of the film. The two would have been seen at Aneka’s apartment before Aneka gives Ayo a kiss on the cheek. The two take it to the next level when Ayo kisses Aneka on the lips.
Here’s the excerpt:
INT. ANEKA’S APARTMENT – RIVER PROVINCE – DAY
A house party is in full swing. Aneka, dressed in casual clothing opens a door, revealing Ayo in uniform.
Aneka: “General?”
Ayo takes in the revelers behind Aneka.
Ayo: “I am here on behalf of the Elders. They would like to offer you restoration as a Dora.”
Aneka: “The Elders? That is kind of them, something tells me I had a strong advocate… (in Xhosa) I accept.”
Ayo (in Xhosa): “I know.”
Aneka gives her a kiss on the cheek, Ayo kisses Aneka on the lips.
Ultimately, we’re left with a moment in the final film where Aneka merely gives Ayo a kiss on the forehead. Interestingly, the script doesn’t include a kiss scene at all. There’s only an exchange of romantic dialogue:
EXT. DECK – ROYAL SEA LEOPARD – DAY
Nakia lands on the deck, draws her RINGBLADES and begins fighting a Talocanil Warrior. Ayo and Aneka fight back to back, ravaging Talocanil.
Aneka: “Duck!”
Ayo ducks and Aneka takes down an attacking Talocanil warrior behind her.
Ayo (SUBTITLE): “Thanks my love.”
Although the characters are still considered lesbian lovers, it’s surprising to see that their shared kiss was cut from the film. As such, it’s unknown why Marvel Studios made the decision to do so. At a time when they’ve become otherwise very inclusive, it seems like a strange move to delete what would’ve been the first lesbian kiss in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Of course, there will likely be another opportunity down the line.
Ryan Coogler directed Black Panther: Wakanda Forever from a screenplay he co-wrote with Joe Robert Cole.
The cast for the MCU film includes Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Freeman, Tenoch Huerta, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livanalli.
Fans will soon be able to stream Black Panther: Wakanda Forever via Disney Plus on February 1, 2023. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional Marvel Cinematic Universe updates as we have them.