Inclusivity has been a major focus of studios and movies in recent times. It was revealed in an interview that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Michaela Coel’s character in the movie is homosexual and she hopes that being from Ghana, the Ghanaian people will come to see her in the movie.
Michaela Coel portrays the character of Aneka and will reportedly be involved in a romantic relationship with Florence Kasumba’s Ayo.
Black Panther 2 Will Feature An LGBTQ+ Relationship
In an interview with Vogue, Michaela Coel revealed that her character (Aneka) will be having a relationship with Florence Kasumba’s Ayo. Ayo was previously seen in Black Panther (2018) and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021).
Based on your interests: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Star Winston Duke Hints Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa Recast via “Parallel Dimensions”
Michaela Coel went on to reveal that the characters have a forbidden affair that causes disruption in ranks but matches the lore of the comics. The actress also stated that the only reason that she agreed to portray the role was due to the character’s queer sexuality. Being of Ghanaian descent, she wanted the people of Ghana to see that homosexuality is normal and something that should be accepted.
“I thought: I like that, I want to show that to Ghana. People say, ‘Oh, it’s fine, it’s just politics.’ But I don’t think it is just politics when it affects how people get to live their daily lives. That’s why it felt important for me to step in and do that role because I know just by my being Ghanaian, Ghanaians will come.”
The actress also talked about the recent Ghanaian laws that made same-sex marriage or being identified as an LGBTQ+ supporter would land them 5 years in prison.
You might also like to read: “He wasn’t walking around with a big ego”: Chadwick Boseman’s Co-star Winston Duke Reveals Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Cast Was Haunted by Chadwick’s Memories
Michaela Coel’s Thoughts On Inclusivity In Black Panther
During her conversation with Vogue, the actress also spoke about how the mainstream media had shifted the focus to minorities or people of color. She was indeed proud that Black Panther was based on the grounded stories of the people of Africa and more specifically, the people of color and their culture.
Michaela Coel also revealed that since the passing of Chadwick Boseman due to colon cancer, they have been shooting the film every day for his remembrance.
“There was a sense that we have to bring this baby home in the name of Chadwick. I thought to myself, I’m rolling up my sleeves and I’m getting in. I don’t need to be front and center, I’m here to support.”
Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will mark the end of Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will be released on 11th November 2022 in theaters across the world.
Suggested reading: Bla‘John Boyega should be the next Black Panther’: Fans Divided Over John Boyega and Letitia Wright after Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Hints Shuri as T’Challa’s Successor
Source: The Direct
