‘They mad over a forehead kiss?’: Fans Cry Hypocrisy as Disney – Bastion of Political Correctness – Edits Out Ayo-Aneka Kiss Scene in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was referenced as a tribute to Chadwick Boseman. However, it not only serves as a tribute to the late MCU star, but the movie also introduces some new characters into the MCU. Along with new characters, Wakanda Forever also sets up the future of already-existing characters in the MCU. These characters include Riri Williams’ Ironheart, Namor, and Okoye as the Midnight Angels. Black Panther 2 also introduces a new member of Dora Milaje, Aneka. Prior to the release of the film, Ryan Coogler mentioned that there are certain things that are not directly adapted from comics.
Wakanda Forever has made a lot of changes from Namor’s origin story to introducing the new Black Panther in the MCU. With the film released, the internet is flooded with the fans’ reactions. And some fans are not happy with Disney making some cuts for the film’s release in a certain country.
Spoiler Alert: The following content includes spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Disney Faces Backlash For Deleting a Scene From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever follows several sub-plots. The sequel brings Aneka, the combat instructor for the Dora Milaje into the MCU. The British actress Michaela Coel portrays Aneka’s character in Wakanda Forever. In comics, Aneka is involved in a romantic relationship with her fellow Dora Milaje, Ayo portrayed by Florence Kasumba.
Although Wakanda Forever does not go into the details, it still gives some hints about Aneka and Ayo’s relationship. Followed by the final combat the kingdom of Wakanda is celebrating its win. A quick scene includes Aneka and Ayo having a celebration, and Aneka kisses Ayo on her forehead, to which Ayo replies with “Thank you, my love,” indicating that they are in a relationship.
However, fans are not happy as Disney made some unnecessary cuts in the movie for its release in Kuwait. The studio deleted the scene where Aneka kisses Ayo. It was done keeping in mind the cultural sensitivities of the Gulf country. Some sources have also said that scenes would not have been deleted if they impacted the story in any possible way.
THR has reported that Kuwait is the only territory that follows restrictions over LGBTQ+ references. This is not the first time a film has faced such restrictions. Prior to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the country censored same-gender kisses and gay or transgender characters in many movies.
Before the release of the 2018 Black Panther in Kuwait, a kiss scene between Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa and Nakia was also removed from the film.
Fans Stand With Aneka And Ayo as Disney Makes the Cut
The studio’s move of cutting a scene that represents a romantic relationship between the same gender did not go well with fans. Although cinemagoers in Kuwait may not be surprised by the cut, fans around the world are not pleased with the studio’s decision.
they mad over a forehead kiss
— alex 🤎 (@alexjergi) November 11, 2022
wow…homophobes are ridiculous.
A kiss on the forehead and they cut it? Sorry not sorry but this is fascist!— FayeYoko_1stGL_WorldTour 🌏 Mafin (@Mara97565447) November 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/SLVT4MARAJ/status/1591120010755608576
https://twitter.com/Bruhmanmeme/status/1591118874535407617
Homophobia
— ꨄ (@ushercrave) November 11, 2022
Fans were arguing that it was just a forehead scene and nothing too intimate to get censored. They also shared that it is Homophobic and they stand with Aneka and Ayo.
This was not the only scene that did not make it to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s Kuwait release. THR also reported that there were some extra edits made in the film. These include Namor’s birth scene and another scene where a character refers to Namor as “A god to his people.” The overall cuts amount to just over one minute of footage.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is playing in theatres now.
Source: Twitter
